ICD-10 Code G03.9 – Meningitis, unspecified (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code G03.9 – Meningitis, unspecified
What it is
G03.9 identifies meningitis when the provider documents inflammation of the meninges but does not specify the cause or type. Use it for cases where the record supports meningitis, yet details are incomplete.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly recorded findings include headache, neck stiffness, fever, photophobia, or altered mental status, but the specific presentation depends on the underlying cause.
When to use this code
Use this code when the diagnosis is documented simply as meningitis, without further specification such as bacterial, viral, or chronic. It also fits when the note confirms meningitis but does not identify the organism or subtype. Check documentation if the chart suggests a more specific meningitis code.
Do not use for
Do not use G03.9 when the provider identifies a specific infectious cause, such as bacterial or viral meningitis. It is also not appropriate for noninfectious conditions that are not documented as meningitis.
Coding tip
If the record names the cause or subtype, code that more specific diagnosis instead of this unspecified option.