A39.1
Billable

Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome

Billable / Specific Code

What is Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome?

ICD-10-CM A39.1 is the diagnosis code for Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome. This code falls under the section "Other bacterial diseases" within Chapter 1 — Certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99). It is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. Medical coders and healthcare providers use this code to document and classify diagnoses in electronic health records, insurance claims, and clinical databases.

💡 Inclusions

Coding Guidelines for A39.1

✅ This Code Includes

  • Meningococcal hemorrhagic adrenalitis
  • Meningococcic adrenal syndrome

ICD-10-CM Code Hierarchy

Understanding where A39.1 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:

Current CodeA39.1 — Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome
Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is A39.1 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

Yes, A39.1 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

What does A39.1 mean?

A39.1 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.

What is the parent code of A39.1?

The parent code of A39.1 is A39 ("Meningococcal infection"). A39.1 provides a more specific classification within this category.

What section is A39.1 in?

A39.1 is located in Section A30-A49 — "Other bacterial diseases" within Chapter 1 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

When should I use A39.1?

Use A39.1 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.

People Also Ask

What is the ICD-10 code for Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome?

The ICD-10-CM code for Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome is A39.1.

Can A39.1 be used for primary diagnosis?

Yes, A39.1 can be used as a primary diagnosis code since it is billable and specific.

What chapter is A39.1 in?

A39.1 is in Chapter 1 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

Is A39.1 valid for 2026?

Yes, A39.1 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.

See Also

← PreviousA39.0Meningococcal meningitisNext →A39.2Acute meningococcemia
Code Details
A39.1
Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome
Billable / Specific Code
1 — Certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99)
A30-A49 — Other bacterial diseases
2026 ICD-10-CM