Is ICD-10-CM code A88 billable?

No, A88 (Other viral infections of central nervous system, not elsewhere classified) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM code. It must be coded to a more specific subcategory before it can be used for reimbursement.

What chapter does ICD-10-CM code A88 belong to?

A88 belongs to Chapter 1 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: A00–B99 (Certain Infectious and Parasitic Diseases).

A88Not billable, use a more specific code below

Other viral infections of central nervous system, not elsewhere classified

In Viral and prion infections of the central nervous system (A80-A89), chapter 1: Certain Infectious and Parasitic Diseases

3 billable codes under A88: 2 are a CC; none map to an HCC.A CC or MCC (major CC) is a secondary diagnosis that raises the MS-DRG payment.

Instructional notes

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

viral encephalitis NOS (A86)
viral meningitis NOS (A87.9)

Also applies, from Viral and prion infections of the central nervous system (A80-A89)

These notes sit on A80-A89 and apply to every code under it, including A88.

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

postpolio syndrome (G14)
sequelae of poliomyelitis (B91)
sequelae of viral encephalitis (B94.1)

Official coding guidelines

From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.

Rules for coding infections and parasitic diseases, including HIV, organism and drug resistance codes, sepsis and septic shock, MRSA, Zika, and COVID-19.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infections (page 19)
Infectious agents as the cause of diseases classified to other chapters (page 22)
Infections resistant to antibiotics (page 22)
Sepsis, Severe Sepsis, and Septic Shock (page 23)
Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Conditions (page 27)
Zika virus infections (page 28)
Coronavirus infections (page 28)

Read Section I.C.1 (page 19)

All codes under A88

A88 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

A88 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, the billable codes under A88 group to these 11 MS-DRGs (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

DRG 075 Viral Meningitis with CC/MCC (1 of 3 codes)
DRG 076 Viral Meningitis without CC/MCC (1 of 3 codes)
DRG 091 Other Disorders of Nervous System with MCC (1 of 3 codes)
DRG 092 Other Disorders of Nervous System with CC (1 of 3 codes)
DRG 093 Other Disorders of Nervous System without CC/MCC (1 of 3 codes)
DRG 097 Non-Bacterial Infection of Nervous System Except Viral Meningitis with MCC (1 of 3 codes)
DRG 098 Non-Bacterial Infection of Nervous System Except Viral Meningitis with CC (1 of 3 codes)
DRG 099 Non-Bacterial Infection of Nervous System Except Viral Meningitis without CC/MCC (1 of 3 codes)
DRG 974 HIV with Major Related Condition with MCC (1 of 3 codes)
DRG 975 HIV with Major Related Condition with CC (1 of 3 codes)
DRG 976 HIV with Major Related Condition without CC/MCC (1 of 3 codes)

About the condition

Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.

Neurologic Diseases

The brain, spinal cord, and nerves make up the nervous system. Together they control all the workings of the body. When something goes wrong with a part of your nervous system, you can have trouble moving, speaking, swallowing, breathing, or learning. You can also have problems with your memory, senses, or mood.

Viral Infections

Viruses are very tiny germs. They are made of genetic material (either DNA or RNA) inside of a protein coating. There are a huge number of viruses on earth. Only a small number of them can infect humans. Those viruses can infect our cells, which may cause disease. Some of the diseases that viruses can cause include the common cold, the flu, COVID-19, and HIV.

Code history

Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.