A39.83

HCC Category Mapping

What This Code Means

This is a joint infection caused by meningococcal bacteria (Neisseria meningitidis), which can occur as a complication of meningococcal disease. The infection causes inflammation and pain in the affected joints.

Coding Tips

• •This code should only be used when meningococcal arthritis is documented as a manifestation of meningococcal infection; verify the causative organism is confirmed as Neisseria meningitidis
• •Consider whether this is a secondary manifestation of meningococcemia (A39.2) or meningitis (A39.0), as the underlying meningococcal condition may need to be coded as the primary diagnosis depending on the clinical focus

Clinical Significance

Meningococcal arthritis is a septic arthritis caused by Neisseria meningitidis, occurring as a complication of meningococcal infection. It can present as a direct infectious arthritis (purulent joint) or as an immune-mediated reactive arthritis. Prompt joint drainage and antibiotic therapy are essential to prevent joint destruction.

Documentation Requirements

• ✓Confirmed meningococcal infection with documented joint involvement
• ✓Synovial fluid analysis (Gram stain, culture, cell count with differential)
• ✓Specific joint(s) affected and examination findings
• ✓Differentiation between septic (infectious) arthritis and immune-mediated reactive arthritis
• ✓Imaging of affected joints when obtained

Commonly Confused Codes