ICD-10 Code A39.0 – Meningococcal meningitis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A39.0 – Meningococcal meningitis
What it is
A39.0 identifies meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis. Use it when the record documents meningococcal infection involving the meninges, with or without bloodstream involvement.
Clinical signs
Typical documentation includes acute meningitis with fever, headache, neck stiffness, photophobia, or altered mental status. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation, especially when the organism is confirmed.
When to use this code
Use A39.0 when the provider states meningococcal meningitis, meningococcal meningitis due to N. meningitidis, or a confirmed meningococcal CNS infection. If the note only says meningitis without an organism, you should not assume this code.
Code it from clear provider documentation, laboratory confirmation, or an explicit final diagnosis. If meningococcemia is documented separately, review the record for additional codes as instructed by the provider’s assessment.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for viral, pneumococcal, or unspecified meningitis. Do not assign it when meningococcal disease is documented only as septicemia or carrier state without meningitis.
Coding tip
Confirm the organism and the anatomic site in the final diagnosis before assigning A39.0.