Staphylococcal meningitis

This code signifies an inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, specifically caused by a Staphylococcus bacterial infection. This severe infection can lead to significant neurological complications if not promptly treated.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states a diagnosis of meningitis due to Staphylococcus species. Supporting documentation would include microbiology culture results confirming Staphylococcus as the causative agent, along with clinical signs and symptoms consistent with meningitis.

• Ensure the documentation specifies Staphylococcus as the etiologic agent; do not assume if only "bacterial meningitis" is noted.
• Do not confuse with other forms of bacterial meningitis (e.g., meningococcal, pneumococcal) or unspecified bacterial meningitis.
• Sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter.