ICD-10-CM Code A39

Meningococcal infection

  1. ICD-10-CM Index
  2. Chapter: A00–B99
  3. Section: A30-A49
  4. Block: A39
  5. A39 - Meningococcal infection
Version 2020 Non-Billable Code

Not Valid for Submission

A39 is a "header" nonspecific and non-billable code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of meningococcal infection. The code is NOT valid for the year 2020 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions.

ICD-10:A39
Short Description:Meningococcal infection
Long Description:Meningococcal infection

Consider the following ICD-10 codes with a higher level of specificity:

  • A39.0 - Meningococcal meningitis
  • A39.1 - Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome
  • A39.2 - Acute meningococcemia
  • A39.3 - Chronic meningococcemia
  • A39.4 - Meningococcemia, unspecified
  • A39.5 - Meningococcal heart disease
  • A39.50 - Meningococcal carditis, unspecified
  • A39.51 - Meningococcal endocarditis
  • A39.52 - Meningococcal myocarditis
  • A39.53 - Meningococcal pericarditis
  • A39.8 - Other meningococcal infections
  • A39.81 - Meningococcal encephalitis
  • A39.82 - Meningococcal retrobulbar neuritis
  • A39.83 - Meningococcal arthritis
  • A39.84 - Postmeningococcal arthritis
  • A39.89 - Other meningococcal infections
  • A39.9 - ... unspecified

Clinical Information

  • MENINGOCOCCAL INFECTIONS-. infections with bacteria of the species neisseria meningitidis.

Code Classification

  • Certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00–B99)
    • Other bacterial diseases (A30-A49)
      • Meningococcal infection (A39)

Code History

  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016
    (First year ICD-10-CM implemented into the HIPAA code set)
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020

Information for Patients


Meningococcal Infections

Meningococci are a type of bacteria that cause serious infections. The most common infection is meningitis, which is an inflammation of the thin tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Meningococci can also cause other problems, including a serious bloodstream infection called sepsis.

Meningococcal infections can spread from person to person. Risk factors include

  • Age - it is more common in infants, teens, and young adults
  • Living in close quarters, such as in college dorms or military settings
  • Certain medical conditions, such as not having a spleen
  • Travel to areas where meningococcal disease is common

In its early stages, you may have flu-like symptoms and a stiff neck. But the disease can progress quickly and can be fatal. Early diagnosis and treatment are extremely important. Lab tests on your blood and cerebrospinal fluid can tell if you have it. Treatment is with antibiotics. Since the infection spreads from person to person, family members may also need to be treated.

A vaccine can prevent meningococcal infections.


[Learn More]

Previous Code: A38.9

Related Codes

Next Code: A39.0