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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA18.50

A18.50

Tuberculosis of eye, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A18.50 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of tuberculosis of eye, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Tuberculosis of the eye, while a rare manifestation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, can lead to significant ocular complications if not diagnosed and treated promptly. The condition may present with symptoms such as blurred vision, redness, pain, and photophobia. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination, including slit-lamp examination, and may be supported by imaging studies or laboratory tests. Sputum tests and chest X-rays are often conducted to rule out pulmonary involvement, as systemic tuberculosis can precede or accompany ocular manifestations. Treatment usually involves a multi-drug regimen, including isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide, tailored to the patient's specific needs and drug susceptibility patterns. Monitoring for drug resistance is crucial, as resistant strains can complicate treatment and prolong recovery. Public health implications are significant, as tuberculosis is a communicable disease; thus, contact tracing and isolation procedures may be necessary to prevent transmission. The management of tuberculosis of the eye requires a multidisciplinary approach, often involving ophthalmologists, infectious disease specialists, and public health officials.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and symptoms
  • Need for differential diagnosis with other ocular conditions
  • Potential for co-infection with pulmonary tuberculosis
  • Complexity of treatment regimens and monitoring for drug resistance

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to specify the type of ocular involvement
  • Lack of evidence for drug resistance testing
  • Insufficient details on treatment plans

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Ophthalmology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed ocular examination findings, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with unexplained vision changes, ocular inflammation, or pain.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of systemic tuberculosis and its implications for ocular health.

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive history of tuberculosis exposure, treatment history, and drug susceptibility testing.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with known tuberculosis history presenting with ocular symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Coordination with ophthalmology for comprehensive management.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A18.50 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, A18
  • 50 should be used when the specific site of ocular involvement is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical findings and that other potential causes of ocular symptoms are ruled out

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A18.50 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

92002CPT Code

Ophthalmological examination, new patient

Clinical Scenario

Used for initial evaluation of a patient with suspected ocular tuberculosis.

Documentation Requirements

Complete history and examination findings, including visual acuity and ocular health.

Specialty Considerations

Ophthalmologists should document any systemic tuberculosis history.

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 data accuracy and facilitating better patient management. A18.50 provides a means to capture cases of ocular tuberculosis that may not have been adequately documented in ICD-9.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of tuberculosis-related conditions, improving data accuracy and facilitating better patient management. A18.50 provides a means to capture cases of ocular tuberculosis that may not have been adequately documented in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of tuberculosis-related conditions, improving data accuracy and facilitating better patient management. A18.50 provides a means to capture cases of ocular tuberculosis that may not have been adequately documented in ICD-9.

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 eye?

Common symptoms include blurred vision, redness, pain, and sensitivity to light. Patients may also experience floaters or vision loss.

How is tuberculosis of the eye diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a clinical examination, imaging studies, and laboratory tests to confirm tuberculosis infection. A thorough history of tuberculosis exposure is also important.

What treatment options are available for tuberculosis of the eye?

Treatment usually involves a multi-drug regimen for tuberculosis, including isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide. Close monitoring for drug resistance is essential.