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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA18.03

A18.03

Tuberculosis of other bones

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A18.03 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of tuberculosis of other bones.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Tuberculosis of other bones refers to the infection of bones by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which can lead to osteitis or osteomyelitis. This condition is less common than pulmonary tuberculosis but can occur in any bone, particularly in the spine, pelvis, and long bones. The infection typically arises from hematogenous spread from a primary site, often the lungs, or from direct extension from adjacent infected tissues. Symptoms may include localized pain, swelling, and sometimes systemic signs like fever and weight loss. Diagnosis is often confirmed through imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI, which may reveal bone lesions, and microbiological tests including sputum culture or biopsy of the affected bone. Treatment usually involves a prolonged course of antituberculous medications, and in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove necrotic bone or abscesses. Monitoring for drug resistance is critical, as multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) can complicate treatment. Public health implications include the need for contact tracing and isolation procedures to prevent transmission, especially in cases of active disease.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between types of tuberculosis (pulmonary vs. extrapulmonary)
  • Need for detailed documentation of clinical findings and imaging results
  • Potential for co-infection with other pathogens
  • Variability in presentation and symptoms based on the affected bone

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of diagnostic tests and results
  • Failure to document the specific bone affected
  • Lack of follow-up notes on treatment response
  • Misclassification of the type of tuberculosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of exposure, diagnostic test results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with bone pain and a history of tuberculosis exposure.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of drug resistance and the need for specialized treatment regimens.

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Imaging results, surgical notes if applicable, and follow-up care details.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with bone lesions requiring surgical intervention or orthopedic management.

Billing Considerations

Coordination with infectious disease specialists for comprehensive care.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A18.03 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, A18
  • 03 should be used when tuberculosis is confirmed in bones other than the spine or joints
  • Documentation must support the diagnosis, including imaging and laboratory results

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A18.03 When
  • Exclusion criteria include cases where tuberculosis is not confirmed or is due to other infectious agents

Related CPT Codes

73030CPT Code

Radiologic examination, hip, pelvis, or thigh

Clinical Scenario

Used when imaging is required to assess bone involvement.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for imaging and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists may require specific imaging protocols.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of tuberculosis cases, improving the accuracy of data collection and treatment tracking. A18.03 provides a distinct code for bone involvement, 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 cases, improving the accuracy of data collection and treatment tracking. A18.03 provides a distinct code for bone involvement, which was less clearly defined in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of tuberculosis cases, improving the accuracy of data collection and treatment tracking. A18.03 provides a distinct code for bone involvement, 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 tuberculosis of other bones?

Common symptoms include localized bone pain, swelling, fever, and systemic signs such as weight loss. Symptoms may vary depending on the specific bone affected.