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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA17.89

A17.89

Other tuberculosis of nervous system

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A17.89 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 other atypical presentations. 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 like sputum cultures or PCR for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Treatment usually consists of a prolonged course of antitubercular medications, often requiring monitoring for drug resistance and side effects. Public health considerations are critical, as tuberculosis is a communicable disease, necessitating contact tracing and isolation procedures for active cases. The management of drug-resistant tuberculosis is particularly challenging and requires specialized treatment regimens.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and symptoms
  • Need for comprehensive diagnostic testing
  • Potential for drug resistance complicating treatment
  • Public health implications requiring additional documentation

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of diagnostic tests
  • Failure to document treatment plans and follow-up
  • Lack of clarity on the specific type of tuberculosis affecting the nervous system
  • Missing public health reporting requirements

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with neurological symptoms and a history of tuberculosis exposure.

Billing Considerations

Need for thorough documentation of drug resistance testing and public health reporting.

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Neurological assessments, imaging results, and treatment responses.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with unexplained neurological deficits or seizures with a history of tuberculosis.

Billing Considerations

Differentiating from other neurological disorders and documenting the impact on daily functioning.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A17.89 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, A17
  • 89 should be used when the tuberculosis affects the nervous system in a manner not specified by other codes
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that all relevant tests and treatments are recorded

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A17.89 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.

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.

70553CPT Code

MRI brain with contrast

Clinical Scenario

Used for detailed evaluation of suspected tuberculomas.

Documentation Requirements

Clinical rationale for MRI and results must be included.

Specialty Considerations

Documentation should reflect the need for contrast and any neurological symptoms.

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. A17.89 provides a distinct code for atypical presentations of tuberculosis affecting the nervous system, 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. A17.89 provides a distinct code for atypical presentations of tuberculosis affecting the nervous system, 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. A17.89 provides a distinct code for atypical presentations of tuberculosis affecting the nervous system, which was less clearly defined in ICD-9.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Tuberculosis (TB) Fact Sheet
  • •
    WHO Tuberculosis Fact Sheet

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Tuberculosis (TB) Fact Sheet
  • •
    WHO Tuberculosis Fact Sheet

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of other tuberculosis of the nervous system?

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 other tuberculosis of the nervous system 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 are the treatment options for this condition?

Treatment usually consists of a prolonged course of antitubercular medications, often requiring monitoring for drug resistance and side effects.

What public health measures are necessary for tuberculosis?

Public health measures include contact tracing, isolation of active cases, and reporting to health authorities to prevent the spread of the disease.