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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA18.83

A18.83

Tuberculosis of digestive tract organs, not elsewhere classified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A18.83 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of tuberculosis of digestive tract organs, not elsewhere classified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Tuberculosis (TB) of the digestive tract is a rare form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis that primarily affects the gastrointestinal system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, and peritoneum. It occurs when Mycobacterium tuberculosis spreads from the lungs or other infected sites to the digestive organs. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, weight loss, diarrhea, and malabsorption. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies such as abdominal X-rays or CT scans, and microbiological tests including stool cultures and biopsy of affected tissues. Treatment usually consists of a multi-drug regimen similar to that used for pulmonary TB, often requiring a prolonged course of antibiotics to ensure eradication of the bacteria. Monitoring for drug resistance is crucial, as strains of TB can develop resistance to standard treatments, complicating management. Public health implications are significant, as TB is a contagious disease, necessitating contact tracing and isolation procedures for infected individuals to prevent further transmission.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and symptoms
  • Need for comprehensive diagnostic testing
  • Potential for drug-resistant strains complicating treatment
  • Differentiation from other gastrointestinal conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of diagnostic tests performed
  • Failure to document treatment adherence and monitoring
  • Lack of detailed patient history regarding exposure to TB
  • Insufficient documentation of public health reporting requirements

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, diagnostic test results, treatment plans, and follow-up care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms and a history of TB exposure.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of drug resistance patterns and the need for specialized treatment regimens.

Gastroenterology

Documentation Requirements

Endoscopic findings, biopsy results, and imaging studies.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with unexplained abdominal pain and weight loss, particularly in endemic areas.

Billing Considerations

Differentiating TB from other gastrointestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease or malignancies.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A18.83 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, A18
  • 83 should be used when tuberculosis of the digestive tract is confirmed and not classified elsewhere
  • It is essential to document the specific organs involved and any related complications

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A18.83 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

74220CPT Code

Radiologic examination, gastrointestinal tract

Clinical Scenario

Used when imaging is required to assess for TB involvement in the digestive tract.

Documentation Requirements

Radiology reports and clinical notes indicating the need for imaging.

Specialty Considerations

Radiologists should be aware of TB history when interpreting results.

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 digestive tract, which enhances data accuracy and improves patient management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

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

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

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

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 digestive tract?

Common symptoms include abdominal pain, weight loss, diarrhea, and malabsorption. Patients may also experience fever and night sweats.

How is tuberculosis of the digestive tract diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and microbiological tests such as stool cultures and biopsies.

What is the treatment for tuberculosis of the digestive tract?

Treatment usually involves a multi-drug regimen similar to that for pulmonary TB, often requiring a prolonged course of antibiotics.

What are the public health implications of tuberculosis?

TB is a contagious disease, necessitating contact tracing and isolation procedures for infected individuals to prevent further transmission.