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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA18.10

A18.10

Tuberculosis of genitourinary system, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A18.10 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of tuberculosis of genitourinary system, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Tuberculosis of the genitourinary system is a rare but serious form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis that primarily affects the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and reproductive organs. It can occur as a result of hematogenous spread from a primary pulmonary infection or through direct extension from adjacent structures. Symptoms may include hematuria, flank pain, dysuria, and in severe cases, renal failure. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scans, and microbiological tests including urine cultures and PCR for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Treatment usually consists of a multi-drug regimen over a prolonged period, often involving isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. Monitoring for drug resistance is crucial, as resistance can complicate treatment and lead to poorer outcomes. Public health implications are significant, as tuberculosis is a communicable disease, necessitating contact tracing and isolation procedures for active cases to prevent transmission. The unspecified nature of this code indicates that the specific site of infection within the genitourinary system is not documented, which can complicate treatment and management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Unspecified nature of the code can lead to ambiguity in treatment planning.
  • Requires thorough documentation to differentiate from other forms of tuberculosis.
  • Potential for co-infection with other pathogens complicating the clinical picture.
  • Need for comprehensive diagnostic testing to confirm the presence of tuberculosis.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and diagnostic tests.
  • Failure to specify the site of infection when applicable.
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on treatment response.
  • Inconsistent coding practices among different providers.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Consideration of drug resistance patterns and public health reporting requirements.

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Urological evaluations, imaging studies, and any surgical interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with hematuria and renal masses requiring further investigation.

Billing Considerations

Need for collaboration with infectious disease specialists for comprehensive management.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A18.10 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, A18
  • 10 should be used when the specific site of tuberculosis infection in the genitourinary system is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that all relevant clinical information is captured to support the use of this code

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A18.10 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

87070CPT Code

Culture, bacterial, urine

Clinical Scenario

Used to confirm the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in urine samples.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the culture and any relevant patient history.

Specialty Considerations

Infectious disease specialists may require additional documentation on treatment response.

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 planning. A18.10 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, but the specificity of other codes allows for better tracking of disease patterns and treatment outcomes.

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 planning. A18.10 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, but the specificity of other codes allows for better tracking of disease patterns and treatment outcomes.

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 planning. A18.10 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, but the specificity of other codes allows for better tracking of disease patterns and treatment outcomes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Tuberculosis (TB) Fact Sheet

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Tuberculosis (TB) Fact Sheet

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I document to support the use of A18.10?

Document all relevant symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatment plans. Ensure that the unspecified nature of the code is justified by the clinical scenario.