ICD-10 Code G03.0 – Nonpyogenic meningitis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code G03.0 – Nonpyogenic meningitis
What it is
G03.0 identifies meningitis that is not caused by pyogenic, or pus-forming, bacteria. Use it when the record describes a nonpyogenic inflammatory meningitis and the cause is not coded elsewhere.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical meningitis findings may include headache, neck stiffness, fever, photophobia, or altered mental status, but the chart should support a nonpyogenic etiology.
When to use this code
Use G03.0 when the provider documents nonpyogenic meningitis, aseptic meningitis, or another nonbacterial meningeal inflammation without a more specific code. You should confirm that the diagnosis is established, suspected, or treated as the reason for care.
If the note names a specific infectious or inflammatory cause, code that condition instead when available. Check documentation for organism, underlying disease, or associated neurologic disorder.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for pyogenic bacterial meningitis, meningitis due to specific infections with their own codes, or nonspecific headache workups. Check documentation when meningitis is only being ruled out.
Coding tip
Always code the documented cause first when a more specific etiology is stated, and use G03.0 only when the record supports nonpyogenic meningitis.