ICD-10 code for brain infection

The ICD-10-CM code for brain infection is G04.90 (Encephalitis and encephalomyelitis, unspecified). The official index lists 1 more specific code, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on G04.90.

Within G04.9, choose G04.90 (Encephalitis and encephalomyelitis, unspecified) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: myelitis, unspecified (G04.91).

As a secondary diagnosis it is an MCC (major complication or comorbidity), which can move an inpatient stay into the highest-paying "with MCC" MS-DRG of its family, unless the principal diagnosis excludes it.

In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 023 (Craniotomy with Major Device Implant or Acute Complex CNS Principal Diagnosis with MCC or Antineoplastic Implant or Epilepsy with Neurostimulator, relative weight 5.7444), DRG 024 (Craniotomy with Major Device Implant or Acute Complex CNS Principal Diagnosis without MCC, relative weight 3.9708), DRG 097 (Non-Bacterial Infection of Nervous System Except Viral Meningitis with MCC, relative weight 3.8226), DRG 098 (Non-Bacterial Infection of Nervous System Except Viral Meningitis with CC, relative weight 2.2706), DRG 099 (Non-Bacterial Infection of Nervous System Except Viral Meningitis without CC/MCC, relative weight 1.5256), DRG 974 (HIV with Major Related Condition with MCC, relative weight 3.0506) and 2 more, in MDC 01 (Diseases and Disorders of the Nervous System) and MDC 25 (Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infections), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.