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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA18.7

A18.7

Tuberculosis of adrenal glands

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A18.7 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of tuberculosis of adrenal glands.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Tuberculosis of the adrenal glands is a rare but serious manifestation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, which occurs when Mycobacterium tuberculosis infects the adrenal glands. This condition can lead to adrenal insufficiency due to the destruction of adrenal tissue. Patients may present with nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, fever, and abdominal pain. In some cases, adrenal tuberculosis can cause hyperpigmentation of the skin due to increased adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as CT scans or MRIs, which may reveal adrenal enlargement or calcification, and microbiological tests including sputum culture or biopsy of the adrenal gland. Treatment usually consists of a multi-drug regimen of antitubercular medications, which may need to be adjusted based on drug susceptibility testing. Monitoring for treatment efficacy and potential side effects is crucial, as is addressing any adrenal insufficiency that may arise. Public health considerations include contact tracing and isolation procedures for active cases, as well as monitoring for drug resistance, which can complicate treatment and increase transmission risk.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Rarity of the condition makes it less familiar to coders.
  • Need for precise documentation of diagnostic methods and treatment plans.
  • Potential for misclassification with other forms of tuberculosis.
  • Variability in clinical presentation complicates coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of diagnostic tests.
  • Failure to document treatment response and follow-up.
  • Misdiagnosis due to overlapping symptoms with other conditions.
  • Lack of clarity on the source of infection or drug resistance.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed records of diagnostic tests, treatment regimens, and follow-up care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with systemic symptoms and suspected extrapulmonary tuberculosis.

Billing Considerations

Awareness of drug resistance patterns and public health reporting requirements.

Endocrinology

Documentation Requirements

Assessment of adrenal function and management of adrenal insufficiency.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with adrenal crisis or symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.

Billing Considerations

Coordination with infectious disease specialists for comprehensive care.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A18.7 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines for reporting tuberculosis, ensuring accurate documentation of the site of infection and any associated complications
  • Include relevant clinical findings and diagnostic tests to support the code assignment

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A18.7 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

88305CPT Code

Pathology examination of adrenal biopsy

Clinical Scenario

Used when a biopsy is performed to confirm adrenal tuberculosis.

Documentation Requirements

Pathology report detailing findings and confirmation of tuberculosis.

Specialty Considerations

Involvement of both infectious disease and pathology specialists.

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 those affecting the adrenal glands, which enhances data accuracy and improves patient care tracking.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of tuberculosis cases, including those affecting the adrenal glands, which enhances data accuracy and improves patient care tracking.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of tuberculosis cases, including those affecting the adrenal glands, which enhances data accuracy and improves patient care 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 adrenal tuberculosis?

Common symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, abdominal pain, fever, and skin hyperpigmentation due to adrenal insufficiency.

How is adrenal tuberculosis diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies, microbiological tests, and sometimes biopsy of the adrenal gland to confirm the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

What is the treatment for adrenal tuberculosis?

Treatment usually consists of a multi-drug regimen of antitubercular medications, and management of any adrenal insufficiency that may arise.

What public health measures are necessary for tuberculosis?

Public health measures include contact tracing, isolation of active cases, and monitoring for drug resistance to prevent further transmission.