Meningitis due to Lyme disease

This code represents inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, specifically when it is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease. This neurological manifestation typically occurs in the early disseminated stage of Lyme disease.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of meningitis and explicitly links it to a confirmed or suspected Lyme disease infection. Supporting documentation should include positive Lyme serology (e.g., ELISA and Western blot) and/or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis consistent with meningitis.

• Always sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when meningitis due to Lyme disease is the reason for the encounter.
• Do not code G00.0 (Bacterial meningitis, unspecified) or other non-specific meningitis codes if the etiology is identified as Lyme disease.
• Ensure the medical record explicitly states the causal link between Lyme disease and the meningitis.