Meningitis in other fungal diseases

This code signifies inflammation of the meninges (the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) caused by a fungal infection other than those specifically classified elsewhere. It represents a serious central nervous system infection where a fungal pathogen is identified as the etiologic agent.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states meningitis due to a fungal organism, and the specific fungus is not otherwise categorized in ICD-9-CM (e.g., candidal, cryptococcal). Supporting documentation should include laboratory confirmation of a fungal pathogen in CSF or meningeal tissue, along with clinical signs and symptoms of meningitis.

• Always identify the specific fungal organism if documented, as more specific codes may exist.
• Ensure documentation clearly links the fungal infection to the meningitis.
• Sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when fungal meningitis is the reason for the encounter.