ICD-10 Code G03 – Meningitis due to other and unspecified causes (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code G03 – Meningitis due to other and unspecified causes
What it is
G03 identifies meningitis when the cause is not one of the more specific infectious or noninfectious types. Use it for inflammation of the meninges when documentation states other or unspecified causes.
Clinical signs
Common findings include headache, fever, neck stiffness, photophobia, and altered mental status. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation, especially when the record does not name a specific organism or cause.
When to use this code
Use G03 when the provider documents meningitis but does not identify a more specific codeable etiology. It also fits charted cases described as “other” or “unspecified” meningitis. If the note names a specific infectious agent, code that condition instead.
Do not use for
Do not use G03 when the record supports bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic, or other specifically named meningitis. Check documentation if the provider describes encephalitis, meningismus, or another diagnosis without confirmed meningitis.
Coding tip
Query for the cause when the chart only says meningitis, because a more specific code may be available.