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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA18.52

A18.52

Tuberculous keratitis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A18.52 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of tuberculous keratitis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Tuberculous keratitis is an ocular manifestation of tuberculosis (TB) that primarily affects the cornea. It is characterized by inflammation of the cornea due to the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This condition can lead to significant visual impairment if not diagnosed and treated promptly. Symptoms may include redness, pain, photophobia, and blurred vision. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination, including slit-lamp examination, and may be supported by microbiological tests such as cultures or PCR for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In some cases, chest X-rays may be performed to assess for pulmonary involvement. Treatment usually involves a combination of anti-tuberculous medications, such as isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide, tailored to the patient's specific needs and drug susceptibility patterns. Monitoring for drug resistance is crucial, as multi-drug resistant TB can complicate treatment. Public health implications are significant, as TB is a contagious disease; therefore, contact tracing and isolation procedures may be necessary to prevent further transmission. Regular follow-up is essential to assess treatment efficacy and manage any potential complications.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of both ocular and systemic tuberculosis manifestations.
  • Involves knowledge of specific diagnostic tests and their interpretations.
  • Treatment regimens may vary based on drug resistance patterns.
  • Documentation must clearly link symptoms to the diagnosis of tuberculous keratitis.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation linking symptoms to the diagnosis.
  • Failure to document the results of diagnostic tests.
  • Lack of clarity on treatment regimens and follow-up plans.
  • Misclassification of keratitis type (e.g., non-tuberculous).

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Ophthalmology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed ocular examination findings, including slit-lamp results and visual acuity assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with corneal ulcers, redness, and pain, particularly in those with a history of TB.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must specify the relationship between TB and ocular symptoms to support the diagnosis.

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive history of TB exposure, diagnostic test results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with systemic TB presenting with ocular symptoms or those with a known history of TB.

Billing Considerations

Coordination with ophthalmology for comprehensive management and documentation of ocular findings.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A18.52 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, A18
  • 52 should be used when there is clear documentation of tuberculous keratitis
  • It is essential to ensure that the diagnosis is confirmed through appropriate testing and that any related systemic TB is also documented

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A18.52 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

92020CPT Code

Ophthalmological examination, extended

Clinical Scenario

Used when a comprehensive eye examination is performed to assess tuberculous keratitis.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed findings from the examination, including visual acuity and slit-lamp results.

Specialty Considerations

Ophthalmologists should ensure that all relevant findings are documented to support the diagnosis.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like tuberculous keratitis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. This specificity helps in tracking the incidence and management of TB-related ocular conditions.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like tuberculous keratitis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. This specificity helps in tracking the incidence and management of TB-related ocular conditions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. This specificity helps in tracking the incidence and management of TB-related ocular conditions.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Tuberculosis (TB) Fact Sheets

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Tuberculosis (TB) Fact Sheets

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of tuberculous keratitis?

Common symptoms include eye pain, redness, photophobia, and blurred vision. Patients may also experience tearing and discharge.

How is tuberculous keratitis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made through clinical examination, including slit-lamp evaluation, and may be confirmed with microbiological tests such as cultures or PCR for Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

What is the treatment for tuberculous keratitis?

Treatment typically involves a combination of anti-tuberculous medications, tailored to the patient's specific needs and drug susceptibility patterns.

What public health measures are necessary for tuberculous keratitis?

Public health measures include contact tracing, isolation procedures for infectious patients, and monitoring for drug resistance.