Version 2024

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A88

Other viral infections of central nervous system, not elsewhere classified

ICD-10-CM Code:: A88
ICD-10 Code for:: Oth viral infections of central nervous system, NEC
Is Billable?: Not Valid for Submission
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Code Information
Specific Coding
Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries
Patient Education
Other Codes Used Similar Conditions
Code History

Code Classification

Certain infectious and parasitic diseases
(A00–B99)
- Viral and prion infections of the central nervous system
  (A80-A89)
  - Other viral infections of central nervous system, not elsewhere classified
    (A88)

A88 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of other viral infections of central nervous system, not elsewhere classified. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2024 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Specific Coding Applicable to Oth viral infections of central nervous system, NEC

Non-specific codes like A88 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10-CM codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for oth viral infections of central nervous system, nec:

Use A88.0 for Enteroviral exanthematous fever [Boston exanthem] - BILLABLE CODE
Use A88.1 for Epidemic vertigo - BILLABLE CODE
Use A88.8 for Other specified viral infections of central nervous system - BILLABLE CODE

Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries

The following annotation back-references are applicable to this diagnosis code. The Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries is a list of ICD-10-CM codes, organized "head to toe" into chapters and sections with coding notes and guidance for inclusions, exclusions, descriptions and more.

Type 1 Excludes

viral encephalitis NOS A86
viral meningitis NOS A87.9

Patient Education

Neurologic Diseases

The brain, spinal cord, and nerves make up the nervous system. Together they control all the workings of the body. When something goes wrong with a part of your nervous system, you can have trouble moving, speaking, swallowing, breathing, or learning. You can also have problems with your memory, senses, or mood.

There are more than 600 neurologic diseases. Major types include:

Diseases caused by faulty genes, such as Huntington's disease and muscular dystrophy
Problems with the way the nervous system develops, such as spina bifida
Degenerative diseases, where nerve cells are damaged or die, such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease
Diseases of the blood vessels that supply the brain, such as stroke
Injuries to the spinal cord and brain
Seizure disorders, such as epilepsy
Cancer, such as brain tumors
infections, such as meningitis

[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Viral Infections

What are viruses?

Viruses are very tiny germs. They are made of genetic material (either DNA or RNA) inside of a protein coating. There are a huge number of viruses on earth. Only a small number of them can infect humans. Those viruses can infect our cells, which may cause disease. Some of the diseases that viruses can cause include the common cold, the flu, COVID-19, and HIV.

How are viruses spread?

Viruses can be spread in different ways:

Through droplets and particles that are breathed out by someone who has the infection. You might breathe in the droplets or particles, or they could land on your mouth, nose, or eyes.
By touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
From the pregnant parent to the baby during pregnancy.
Through contaminated food or water.
By being bitten by an infected insect or animal.
Through sexual contact (usually vaginal, anal and oral sex) with someone who has the infection.

How do viruses cause disease?

Viruses are like hijackers. They invade living, normal cells. They then use those cells to multiply (make copies of themselves). This process is also called replication. The process can kill, damage, or change the infected cells. Sometimes this can make you sick. The symptoms can range from mild to very severe. Other times, your immune system may be able to fight it off and you may not have any symptoms.

Each different virus usually only infects one type of cell in your body. For example, hepatitis viruses affect the cells in the liver. HIV infects a certain type of immune system cell.

What are the treatments for viral infections?

For most viral infections, treatments can only help with symptoms while you wait for your immune system to fight off the virus. There are antiviral medicines to treat some viral infections. Antibiotics do not work for viral infections.

Can viral infections be prevented?

Vaccines can help prevent you from getting many viral diseases. You may be able to prevent some viral infections by:

Proper hand washing.
Paying attention to food safety.
Cleaning surfaces that may be infected with germs.
Avoiding contact with wild animals.
Preventing insect bites by using insect repellent when you go outdoors. If you travel to an area that has a high risk of diseases from insect bites, also wear long pants, shirts, and socks.
Practicing safe sex (using a condom every time you have anal, vaginal, or oral sex).
Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.