Meningococcemia, unspecified

This code identifies a systemic infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis that has disseminated into the bloodstream, without specifying the presence or absence of meningitis. It represents a severe, life-threatening condition characterized by bacteremia, often leading to sepsis and organ dysfunction.

Assign this code when documentation confirms a diagnosis of meningococcemia, and there is no explicit mention of meningitis. This typically occurs when laboratory tests confirm N. meningitidis in blood cultures, and the clinical picture aligns with systemic infection. Use this code when the provider has not specified whether meningitis is also present.

• Do not use this code if meningitis is explicitly documented; instead, refer to codes for meningococcal meningitis.
• Always query the provider if documentation is unclear regarding the presence of meningitis in a patient with meningococcemia.
• Sequence this code as the principal diagnosis when it is the primary reason for the encounter, followed by codes for any associated complications (e.g., sepsis, shock).