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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA18.12

A18.12

Tuberculosis of bladder

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A18.12 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of tuberculosis of bladder.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Tuberculosis of the bladder is a rare form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis that occurs when Mycobacterium tuberculosis infects the bladder. This condition can arise from hematogenous spread from a primary pulmonary infection or from direct extension from adjacent structures. Patients may present with symptoms such as dysuria, hematuria, increased urinary frequency, and pelvic pain. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and laboratory tests, including urine cultures for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which can be challenging due to the low yield of these tests. Cystoscopy may also be performed to visualize the bladder and obtain biopsy samples. Treatment usually involves a multi-drug regimen similar to that used for pulmonary tuberculosis, including isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide, and may require prolonged therapy. Monitoring for drug resistance is crucial, as resistance can complicate treatment and prolong recovery. Public health implications are significant, as tuberculosis is a communicable disease, necessitating contact tracing and isolation procedures for active cases to prevent transmission.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Rarity of the condition leading to potential misdiagnosis
  • Need for specific laboratory tests that may not be routinely performed
  • Variability in clinical presentation and symptoms
  • Potential for co-infection with other pathogens

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of diagnostic tests performed
  • Failure to document the patient's history of pulmonary tuberculosis
  • Lack of clarity in treatment plans and follow-up care
  • Misclassification of the condition as a urinary tract infection

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed documentation of symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatment plans is essential.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with hematuria and dysuria, particularly in those with a history of tuberculosis.

Billing Considerations

Urologists should be aware of the potential for co-existing conditions and the need for comprehensive management.

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Thorough documentation of the patient's history, including previous tuberculosis infections and treatment responses.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with a known history of tuberculosis presenting with urinary symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Infectious disease specialists must monitor for drug resistance and ensure appropriate public health reporting.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A18.12 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, A18
  • 12 should be used when the diagnosis of tuberculosis of the bladder is confirmed through appropriate testing
  • It is important to document the specific tests performed and the results

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A18.12 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

52000CPT Code

Cystoscopy, diagnostic

Clinical Scenario

Used to visualize the bladder and obtain biopsy samples in suspected cases of bladder tuberculosis.

Documentation Requirements

Document indication for cystoscopy, findings, and any biopsies taken.

Specialty Considerations

Urologists should ensure thorough documentation of findings and follow-up plans.

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, including extrapulmonary forms like bladder tuberculosis, improving data accuracy and public health tracking.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of tuberculosis cases, including extrapulmonary forms like bladder tuberculosis, improving data accuracy and public health tracking.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of tuberculosis cases, including extrapulmonary forms like bladder tuberculosis, improving data accuracy and public health tracking.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Tuberculosis (TB) Fact Sheet

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Tuberculosis (TB) Fact Sheet

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of tuberculosis of the bladder?

Common symptoms include dysuria, hematuria, increased urinary frequency, and pelvic pain. Patients may also experience systemic symptoms like fever and weight loss.

How is tuberculosis of the bladder diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves urine cultures for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, imaging studies, and cystoscopy with biopsy when necessary.

What is the treatment for tuberculosis of the bladder?

Treatment usually involves a multi-drug regimen similar to that for pulmonary tuberculosis, including isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide, often for an extended duration.

What are the public health implications of bladder tuberculosis?

As a communicable disease, bladder tuberculosis requires contact tracing and isolation procedures for active cases to prevent transmission.