A87.9

What This Code Means

This code describes inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord caused by a virus, when the specific virus has not been identified or documented. It's a serious infection that causes symptoms like severe headache, fever, and stiff neck.

Coding Tips

• •Use this code only when the viral cause is truly unknown or unspecified; if the specific virus is identified (such as enterovirus, herpes simplex, or mumps), use the more specific A87.0-A87.8 codes instead
• •Ensure the documentation clearly indicates viral meningitis rather than bacterial meningitis, as bacterial meningitis uses different ICD-10 codes (G00 series) and has different treatment implications