A54.81
BillableGonococcal meningitis
This code does not map to an HCC category in any model (V28, V24, ESRD, RxHCC).
What This Code Means
This is a serious bacterial infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord caused by the gonorrhea bacterium. It is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical treatment with antibiotics.
Coding Tips
- •This code should only be used when gonococcal infection has specifically spread to the meninges (brain/spinal cord membranes); verify documentation confirms meningitis diagnosis, not just gonorrhea
- •This is a complication of untreated gonorrhea, so you may need to also code the primary gonococcal infection (A54.xx) depending on payer guidelines and clinical documentation
Code Hierarchy
└A54Gonococcal infection└A54.8Other gonococcal infections└A54.81Gonococcal meningitis
└A54.81Gonococcal meningitis