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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA17.8

A17.8

Other tuberculosis of nervous system

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 A17.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other tuberculosis of nervous system.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Other tuberculosis of the nervous system refers to forms of tuberculosis that affect the central or peripheral nervous system, excluding the more common forms such as tuberculous meningitis or spinal tuberculosis. This condition can manifest as tuberculomas, which are localized lesions in the brain or spinal cord, or as disseminated tuberculosis affecting the nervous system. Symptoms may include neurological deficits, seizures, headaches, and altered mental status. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans, along with microbiological tests including sputum cultures and PCR testing for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Treatment usually involves a prolonged course of antitubercular medications, often requiring monitoring for drug resistance and side effects. Public health implications are significant, as tuberculosis is a communicable disease, necessitating contact tracing and isolation procedures for active cases to prevent transmission. Drug resistance is a growing concern, making adherence to treatment protocols critical.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of neurological manifestations complicating diagnosis.
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of symptoms and imaging results.
  • Potential overlap with other neurological conditions.
  • Variability in treatment regimens based on drug resistance.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of neurological symptoms.
  • Failure to report drug resistance testing results.
  • Lack of clarity in distinguishing from other neurological disorders.
  • Insufficient follow-up documentation on treatment efficacy.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, including exposure history and previous tuberculosis infections.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with neurological symptoms and a history of tuberculosis.

Billing Considerations

Need for thorough documentation of treatment adherence and monitoring for drug resistance.

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Neurological examination findings, imaging results, and differential diagnoses.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with seizures or cognitive changes who have a history of tuberculosis.

Billing Considerations

Differentiating symptoms from other neurological conditions and ensuring comprehensive imaging documentation.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A17.8 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, A17
  • 8 should be used when the tuberculosis affects the nervous system but does not fit into more specific categories
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that all relevant tests and treatments are recorded

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A17.8 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

70450CPT Code

CT scan of the head

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate for tuberculomas or other lesions in the brain.

Documentation Requirements

Indication for the scan and findings must be documented.

Specialty Considerations

Neurology and Infectious Disease specialists should ensure imaging correlates with clinical findings.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of tuberculosis-related conditions, improving the accuracy of data collection and treatment tracking. A17.8 provides a distinct code for other forms of nervous system tuberculosis, which was less clearly defined in ICD-9.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of tuberculosis-related conditions, improving the accuracy of data collection and treatment tracking. A17.8 provides a distinct code for other forms of nervous system tuberculosis, which was less clearly defined in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of tuberculosis-related conditions, improving the accuracy of data collection and treatment tracking. A17.8 provides a distinct code for other forms of nervous system tuberculosis, which was less clearly defined in ICD-9.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Tuberculosis Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Tuberculosis Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of A17.8?

Common symptoms include seizures, headaches, cognitive changes, and focal neurological deficits, which may vary based on the specific area of the nervous system affected.

How is A17.8 diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans, along with microbiological tests like sputum cultures or PCR for Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

What treatment is required for A17.8?

Treatment usually involves a combination of antitubercular medications over an extended period, with careful monitoring for drug resistance and side effects.

What public health measures are necessary for A17.8?

Public health measures include contact tracing, isolation of active cases, and monitoring for drug resistance to prevent transmission.