A02.21 ICD-10-CM Code: Salmonella meningitis
HCC Buddy Code Card
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FY 2026 Apr update / Certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99) / Intestinal infectious diseases (A00-A09)
A02.21
Billable / SpecificICD-10-CMOfficial ICD-10-CMCodebook guidanceSalmonella meningitis
This is a serious bacterial infection caused by Salmonella bacteria that affects the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It typically causes fever, severe headache, and neck stiffness and requires immediate medical treatment with antibiotics.
CMS-HCC V28
N/A—
Not mapped
CMS-HCC V24
N/A—
Not mapped
ACA/HHS
MappedHCC 3
Varies by metal level
ESRD/PACE
N/A—
Not mapped
RXHCC
N/A—
Not mapped
Code Book Path
Inclusion Terms
OfficialICD-10-CM does not list inclusion terms for A02.21 in this effective period.
Excludes 2
OfficialICD-10-CM does not list Excludes 2 notes for A02.21 in this effective period.
Related Child Codes
Includes
OfficialICD-10-CM does not list Includes notes for A02.21 in this effective period.
Excludes 1
OfficialICD-10-CM does not list Excludes 1 notes for A02.21 in this effective period.
Code First
OfficialICD-10-CM does not list Code First sequencing instructions for A02.21 in this effective period.
Use Additional
OfficialICD-10-CM does not list Use Additional Code instructions for A02.21 in this effective period.
Code Also
OfficialICD-10-CM does not list Code Also instructions for A02.21 in this effective period.
Buddy Documentation Tip
Current with CMS: FY2026 ICD-10-CM Apr 1 update (effective Apr 1 – Sep 30, 2026) · CMS-HCC V28, 100% phased in for payment year 2026. FY2027 code set already staged for October 1, 2026. How HCC Buddy stays current →
Is A02.21 an HCC code?
No. A02.21 is a billable ICD-10-CM code but does not map to any HCC category in V28, V24, ESRD, or RxHCC.
- Code
- A02.21
- Description
- Salmonella meningitis
- HCC (V28)
- No CMS-HCC V28 mapping
- RAF
- —
- Billable
- Yes
- Payment year
- 2026
Coder workflow notes
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This code does not map to an HCC category in any model (V28, V24, ESRD, RxHCC).
What This Code Means
A02.21 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for salmonella meningitis. This is a serious bacterial infection caused by Salmonella bacteria that affects the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It typically causes fever, severe headache, and neck stiffness and requires immediate medical treatment with antibiotics. A02.21 sits in the ICD-10-CM chapter for certain infectious and parasitic diseases (a00-b99), within the section covering intestinal infectious diseases (a00-a09).
A02.21 is a billable ICD-10-CM code but does not map to a payment HCC under the CMS-HCC V28, V24, ESRD, or RxHCC risk adjustment models. It can be reported on Medicare Advantage encounter data submissions but it does not contribute to a beneficiary's RAF score and therefore does not affect risk-adjusted payments to the plan.
Ensure the documentation clearly states that meningitis is caused by Salmonella species before assigning this code; do not use if the causative organism is unconfirmed.
HCC Buddy maintains structured V28 and V24 mapping, RAF weights, and MEAT documentation criteria for A02.21 sourced directly from the CMS-HCC risk adjustment model files and the CMS ICD-10-CM code set.
Coding Tips
- •Ensure the documentation clearly states that meningitis is caused by Salmonella species before assigning this code; do not use if the causative organism is unconfirmed
- •This code is more specific than general meningitis codes and should be used when Salmonella is confirmed as the causative agent; verify the source of infection (food, water, or contact) is documented for complete clinical picture