ICD-10-CM Code A85

Other viral encephalitis, not elsewhere classified

  1. ICD-10-CM Index
  2. Chapter: A00–B99
  3. Section: A80-A89
  4. Block: A85
  5. A85 - Other viral encephalitis, not elsewhere classified
Version 2020 Non-Billable Code

Not Valid for Submission

A85 is a "header" nonspecific and non-billable code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of other viral encephalitis, not elsewhere classified. The code is NOT valid for the year 2020 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions.

ICD-10:A85
Short Description:Other viral encephalitis, not elsewhere classified
Long Description:Other viral encephalitis, not elsewhere classified

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

  • A85.0 - Enteroviral encephalitis
  • A85.1 - Adenoviral encephalitis
  • A85.2 - Arthropod-borne viral encephalitis, unspecified
  • A85.8 - Other specified viral encephalitis

Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries

The Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries is a list of ICD-10 codes, organized "head to toe" into chapters and sections with guidance for inclusions, exclusions, descriptions and more. The following references are applicable to the code A85:

Includes

Includes
This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.
  • specified viral encephalomyelitis NEC
  • specified viral meningoencephalitis NEC

Type 1 Excludes

Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
  • benign myalgic encephalomyelitis G93.3
  • encephalitis due to cytomegalovirus B25.8
  • encephalitis due to herpesvirus NEC B10.0
  • encephalitis due to herpesvirus herpes simplex B00.4
  • encephalitis due to measles virus B05.0
  • encephalitis due to mumps virus B26.2
  • encephalitis due to poliomyelitis virus A80
  • encephalitis due to zoster B02.0
  • lymphocytic choriomeningitis A87.2

Code Classification

  • Certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00–B99)
    • Viral and prion infections of the central nervous system (A80-A89)
      • Other viral encephalitis, not elsewhere classified (A85)

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


Encephalitis

Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain. Usually the cause is a viral infection, but bacteria can also cause it. It can be mild or severe. Most cases are mild. You may have flu-like symptoms. With a mild case, you may just need rest, plenty of fluids, and a pain reliever.

Severe cases need immediate treatment. Symptoms of severe cases include

  • Severe headache
  • Sudden fever
  • Drowsiness
  • Vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Seizures

In babies, additional symptoms may include constant crying, poor feeding, body stiffness, and bulging in the soft spots of the skull.

Severe cases may require a stay in the hospital. Treatments include oral and intravenous (IV) medicines to reduce inflammation and treat infection. Patients with breathing difficulties may need artificial respiration. Some people may need physical, speech, and occupational therapy once the illness is under control.

NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke


[Learn More]

Viral Infections

Viruses are very tiny germs. They are made of genetic material inside of a protein coating. Viruses cause familiar infectious diseases such as the common cold, flu and warts. They also cause severe illnesses such as HIV/AIDS, smallpox, and Ebola.

Viruses are like hijackers. They invade living, normal cells and use those cells to multiply and produce other viruses like themselves. This can kill, damage, or change the cells and make you sick. Different viruses attack certain cells in your body such as your liver, respiratory system, or blood.

When you get a virus, you may not always get sick from it. Your immune system may be able to fight it off.

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


[Learn More]

Previous Code: A84.9

Related Codes

Next Code: A85.0