ICD-10 A88
Non-Billable HeaderOther viral infections of central nervous system, not elsewhere classified
About ICD-10-CM A88
ICD-10-CM code A88 represents Other viral infections of central nervous system, not elsewhere classified. This is a non-billable header code in the Infectious and Parasitic Diseases chapter (block A88). The 2026 edition of ICD-10-CM A88 became effective on October 1, 2025. Non-billable codes cannot be used as a primary or secondary diagnosis on a claim, use a more specific child code instead.
Type 1 Excludes
Pure excludes, these codes can never be coded together with A88. The conditions are mutually exclusive (e.g., congenital vs acquired forms).
- viral encephalitis NOS (A86)
- viral meningitis NOS (A87.9)
Medicare LCD Coverage for A88
Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) from CMS MACs that list A88 as a covered diagnosis.
This doesn't mean the code isn't covered, it means no MAC has issued a Local Coverage Determination naming this specific code. Coverage may still apply under National Coverage Determinations or general medical-necessity rules.
Commercial Payer Coverage
Coverage policies from major commercial payers referencing A88.
Our payer policy database covers Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, BCBS, Humana, and Medicare Advantage plans, but A88 doesn't currently appear in any indexed policy. The code may still be covered under standard plan benefits.
CPT Codes Commonly Billed with A88
Procedures frequently paired with this diagnosis based on PayerReady's Dx↔Px linkage data.
We don't have CPT pairings indexed for this specific code yet. Use the CPT search above to find common procedures, or check your payer's published medical policy for code-specific guidance.
Codes Adjacent To A88
Other codes in section A80-A89 (Viral and prion infections of the central nervous system).
ICD-10 A88, Billing FAQ
Is ICD-10 code A88 billable? +
No, A88 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code from block A88 when submitting claims.
What codes are Type 1 Excludes for A88? +
Type 1 Excludes (never code together with A88): viral encephalitis NOS (A86); viral meningitis NOS (A87.9)
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Reviewed by the PayerReady Medical Coding Team
Verified against the CMS 2026 code set on May 31, 2026.
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