Meningitis, unspecified

This code represents an inflammatory condition of the meninges, the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, when the specific cause or type of meningitis is not documented. It indicates a general diagnosis of meningeal inflammation without further etiological or pathological detail.

Use this code when the medical record clearly states "meningitis" but provides no information regarding its infectious agent (e.g., bacterial, viral, fungal) or specific classification (e.g., aseptic, tuberculous). This code is appropriate when the provider's documentation is limited to an unspecified diagnosis of meningitis.

• Avoid using this code if more specific documentation is available (e.g., bacterial meningitis, viral meningitis).
• Query the provider for more specific details if the documentation only states "meningitis" and further information is clinically expected.
• This code is a last resort when no other specific meningitis code can be assigned.