ICD-10 code for septic meningitis

The ICD-10-CM code for septic meningitis is G00.9 (Bacterial meningitis, 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 G00.9.

Within G00, choose G00.9 (Bacterial meningitis, unspecified) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: hemophilus meningitis (G00.0), Pneumococcal meningitis (G00.1), streptococcal meningitis (G00.2), staphylococcal meningitis (G00.3) and other bacterial meningitis (G00.8).

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 094 (Bacterial and Tuberculous Infections of Nervous System with MCC, relative weight 3.4124), DRG 095 (Bacterial and Tuberculous Infections of Nervous System with CC, relative weight 2.3492), DRG 096 (Bacterial and Tuberculous Infections of Nervous System without CC/MCC, relative weight 2.3213), DRG 791 (Prematurity with Major Problems, relative weight 4.1075) and 1 more, in MDC 01 (Diseases and Disorders of the Nervous System) and MDC 15 (Newborns and Other Neonates with Conditions Originating in the Perinatal Period), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.