ICD-10 Code J10.81 – Influenza due to other identified influenza virus with encephalopathy (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J10.81 – Influenza due to other identified influenza virus with encephalopathy
What it is
J10.81 identifies influenza caused by an influenza virus that is otherwise specified, when the illness is complicated by encephalopathy. Use it when the record links the flu infection to acute brain dysfunction.
Clinical signs
Typical findings may include confusion, altered mental status, reduced responsiveness, seizures, or other neurologic changes during influenza illness. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents influenza due to another identified influenza virus and also documents encephalopathy as a complication. The encephalopathy must be associated with the influenza episode, not a separate chronic neurologic disorder. Check documentation for the specific viral type and causal relationship.
Do not use for
Do not use it for influenza without encephalopathy, or for encephalopathy from a different cause. Do not assign it when the record does not identify influenza as the underlying infection.
Coding tip
Confirm both the influenza type and the encephalopathy link in the provider note before coding J10.81.