Contact with and (suspected) exposure to meningococcus

This code signifies that an individual has had contact with someone diagnosed with meningococcal disease or is suspected of having been exposed to the Neisseria meningitidis bacterium. It indicates a potential risk of developing meningococcal infection, which can lead to serious conditions like meningitis or septicemia.

Apply this code when a patient presents for evaluation or prophylactic treatment following known exposure to a confirmed meningococcal case, such as a household contact or close associate. It is also appropriate for individuals presenting with symptoms that raise suspicion of meningococcal exposure, even if a definitive diagnosis of infection has not yet been made.

• Use this code as a primary diagnosis when the reason for the encounter is the exposure itself, not an active infection.
• Do not use this code if the patient is confirmed to have meningococcal disease; instead, code the specific infection (e.g., A39.0 for meningococcal meningitis).
• Consider adding codes for any prophylactic medications administered during the encounter.