Non-specific code 2015 ICD-9-CM Diagnosis Code 322
Meningitis of unspecified cause
  • 2015
  • Non-Billable Code

  • There are 4 ICD-9-CM codes below 322 that define this diagnosis in greater detail. Do not use this code on a reimbursement claim.
Clinical Information
  • A disorder characterized by acute inflammation of the meninges of the brain and/or spinal cord
  • Brain infection
  • Inflammation of the coverings of the brain and/or spinal cord, which consist of the pia mater; arachnoid; and dura mater. Infections (viral, bacterial, and fungal) are the most common causes of this condition, but subarachnoid hemorrhage (hemorrhages, subarachnoid), chemical irritation (chemical meningitis), granulomatous conditions, neoplastic conditions (carcinomatous meningitis), and other inflammatory conditions may produce this syndrome. (from Joynt, Clinical Neurology, 1994, ch24, p6)
  • Inflammation of the meninges
  • Inflammation of the meninges (three thin layers of tissue that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord). Meningitis is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection, but sometimes is caused by cancer, drug allergies, or inflammatory diseases
  • Meningitis is inflammation of the thin tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, called the meninges. There are several types of meningitis. The most common is viral meningitis, which you get when a virus enters the body through the nose or mouth and travels to the brain. Bacterial meningitis is rare, but can be deadly. It usually starts with bacteria that cause a cold-like infection. It can block blood vessels in the brain and lead to stroke and brain damage. It can also harm other organs. pneumococcal infections and meningococcal infections can cause bacterial meningitis.anyone can get meningitis, but it is more common in people whose bodies have trouble fighting infections. Meningitis can progress rapidly. You should seek medical care quickly if you have
    • a sudden fever
    • a severe headache
    • a stiff neck
    early treatment can help prevent serious problems, including death. Vaccines can prevent some of the bacterial infections that cause meningitis. Parents of adolescents and students living in college dorms should talk to a doctor about the vaccination
322 Includes
  • arachnoiditis with no organism specified as cause
  • leptomeningitis with no organism specified as cause
  • meningitis with no organism specified as cause
  • pachymeningitis with no organism specified as cause
ICD-9-CM codes are used in medical billing and coding to describe diseases, injuries, symptoms and conditions. ICD-9-CM 322 is one of thousands of ICD-9-CM codes used in healthcare. Although ICD-9-CM and CPT codes are largely numeric, they differ in that CPT codes describe medical procedures and services. Can't find a code? Start at the root of ICD-9-CM, check the 2015 ICD-9-CM Index or use the search engine at the top of this page to lookup any code.