Coccidioidal meningitis

This code represents an inflammatory condition of the meninges, the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, caused by the fungus Coccidioides immitis or Coccidioides posadasii. It is a severe manifestation of coccidioidomycosis, often occurring in individuals with disseminated disease.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of meningitis specifically attributed to Coccidioides infection. This typically follows laboratory confirmation of the fungus in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or other diagnostic findings consistent with fungal meningitis in an endemic area.

• Ensure documentation specifies "meningitis" and "coccidioidal" to differentiate from other forms of coccidioidomycosis.
• Do not confuse with other fungal meningitides; verify the causative organism.
• Consider sequencing this code as a primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter, or as a secondary diagnosis if it is a co-morbidity.