ICD-10 Coding for Tuberculosis(A15.0, Z11.1, Z22.7)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Tuberculosis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Tuberculosis
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| A15.0 | Tuberculosis of lung, confirmed by sputum microscopy with or without culture | Use when active pulmonary TB is confirmed by sputum microscopy. |
|
| Z11.1 | Encounter for screening for respiratory tuberculosis | Use for initial screening encounters for TB. |
|
| Z22.7 | Latent tuberculosis | Use when latent TB is diagnosed after positive test results. |
|
Clinical Decision Support
Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for active tuberculosis
Essential facts and insights about Tuberculosis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for tuberculosis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Confirmed by sputum microscopy
Applicable To
- Pulmonary tuberculosis confirmed by sputum microscopy
Excludes
- Latent tuberculosis (Z22.7)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Sputum culture positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Chest X-ray showing cavitary lesions
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if microbiological confirmation is not documented
Coding Notes
- Ensure microbiological confirmation is documented.
Z11.1 - Encounter for screening for respiratory tuberculosis
Use for initial screening encounters for TB.
Applicable To
- Screening for pulmonary tuberculosis
Excludes
- Diagnostic testing for suspected tuberculosis (A15-A19)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Absence of symptoms like cough, fever, or weight loss
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation supports screening purpose.
Z22.7 - Latent tuberculosis
Use when latent TB is diagnosed after positive test results.
Applicable To
- Latent TB infection
Excludes
- Active tuberculosis (A15-A19)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Positive IGRA or TST with normal chest X-ray
Coding Notes
Ensure test results and absence of active disease are documented.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Nonspecific reaction to tuberculin skin test without active tuberculosis
R76.11Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Tuberculosis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code A15.0.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Verify microbiological confirmation before coding., Ensure documentation supports the diagnosis.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Use Z11.7 for follow-up after a positive test.
Impact
Inadequate documentation of screening encounters.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure complete documentation of symptoms and test results.
Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Tuberculosis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Tuberculosis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Tuberculosis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Initial TB Screening
Specialty: Primary CareRequired Elements
- Patient history
- Risk factors
- Symptom assessment
- Test type and results
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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