Meningitis due to viruses not elsewhere classified

This code signifies inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, specifically caused by a viral infection. It applies when the causative viral agent is identified but does not have a more specific ICD-9-CM code.

Use this code for patients diagnosed with viral meningitis where the specific viral etiology is known (e.g., enterovirus, adenovirus, mumps virus) but no dedicated ICD-9-CM code exists for that particular virus causing meningitis. Documentation should clearly state "viral meningitis" and ideally specify the viral agent, along with laboratory confirmation of viral infection.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "viral meningitis" and not bacterial or fungal.
• Do not use if a more specific code for meningitis due to a particular virus (e.g., herpes simplex) is available.
• Sequence as the primary diagnosis when meningitis is the reason for the encounter.