Postmeningococcal arthritis

This code signifies an inflammatory joint condition that develops as a sequela of a Neisseria meningitidis infection. It represents a reactive arthritis occurring after the meningococcal disease has been treated or is resolving, rather than an active septic arthritis directly caused by the bacteria in the joint.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates arthritis occurring after a confirmed or presumed meningococcal infection. This typically presents with joint pain, swelling, and stiffness following a diagnosis of meningitis or meningococcemia, where joint fluid cultures are negative for Neisseria meningitidis.

• Differentiate from septic arthritis due to Neisseria meningitidis (A39.83), which involves direct bacterial infection of the joint.
• Ensure the documentation specifies "postmeningococcal" or "reactive arthritis secondary to meningococcal infection" to support this code.
• Code the underlying meningococcal infection (e.g., A39.0 for meningococcal meningitis) as the primary diagnosis if still active and being treated.