Other bacterial meningitis

This code signifies inflammation of the meninges (the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) caused by a bacterial organism other than those specifically classified elsewhere. It represents bacterial meningitis where the causative agent is identified but falls outside the more common or specified bacterial types.

Apply this code when documentation confirms bacterial meningitis due to a less common or unspecified bacterial pathogen. This typically occurs after laboratory identification of the bacteria, such as Listeria monocytogenes, Nocardia, or other rare bacterial species, that are not assigned a more specific ICD-10-CM code for meningitis.

• Always seek documentation of the specific bacterial organism if available; this code is for "other" specified bacteria.
• Do not use this code for bacterial meningitis where the organism is unknown or unspecified; refer to codes for unspecified bacterial meningitis.
• Code the specific bacterial organism (B95.-, B96.-) as an additional diagnosis, if identified and documented.