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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA18.85

A18.85

Tuberculosis of spleen

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A18.85 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of tuberculosis of spleen.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Tuberculosis of the spleen is a rare form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, which occurs when the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria infect the spleen. This condition can arise from hematogenous spread from a primary pulmonary infection or from direct extension from adjacent structures. Clinically, patients may present with splenomegaly, abdominal pain, fever, and weight loss. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scans, which may reveal splenic lesions, and microbiological tests including sputum cultures or fine-needle aspiration of the spleen. Treatment usually consists of a multi-drug regimen similar to that used for pulmonary tuberculosis, including isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol, administered for an extended period. Monitoring for drug resistance is crucial, as resistant strains can complicate treatment. Public health implications are significant, as tuberculosis is a communicable disease; thus, contact tracing and isolation procedures may be necessary to prevent 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

  • Rarity of the condition leading to potential unfamiliarity among coders.
  • Need for precise documentation of clinical findings and diagnostic tests.
  • Differentiation from other forms of tuberculosis and splenic conditions.
  • Potential for co-infection with other diseases, complicating coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of diagnostic tests performed.
  • Failure to document the presence of drug-resistant strains.
  • Lack of clarity in the clinical rationale for the diagnosis.
  • Insufficient follow-up documentation to support ongoing treatment.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with unexplained splenomegaly or systemic symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Awareness of local tuberculosis prevalence and drug resistance patterns.

Pulmonology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive pulmonary evaluation and history of exposure to tuberculosis.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with a history of pulmonary tuberculosis presenting with abdominal symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Coordination with infectious disease specialists for management.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A18.85 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, A18
  • 85 should be used when there is confirmed tuberculosis of the spleen, supported by appropriate diagnostic tests

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A18.85 When
  • Exclusion criteria include cases where tuberculosis is not the primary diagnosis or where the spleen is not involved

Related CPT Codes

88305CPT Code

Pathology examination of tissue

Clinical Scenario

Used when a biopsy of the spleen is performed to confirm tuberculosis.

Documentation Requirements

Pathology report must indicate the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Specialty Considerations

Infectious disease specialists should ensure accurate reporting of findings.

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 manifestations like A18.85. This specificity aids in better tracking of disease prevalence and treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of tuberculosis cases, including extrapulmonary manifestations like A18.85. This specificity aids in better tracking of disease prevalence and treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and compliance.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Tuberculosis Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Tuberculosis Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of tuberculosis of the spleen?

Common symptoms include abdominal pain, fever, weight loss, and splenomegaly. Patients may also experience systemic symptoms such as night sweats and fatigue.

How is tuberculosis of the spleen diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies like ultrasound or CT scans, along with microbiological tests such as sputum cultures or fine-needle aspiration of the spleen.

What is the treatment for tuberculosis of the spleen?

Treatment usually involves a multi-drug regimen including isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol, administered for an extended period.

What are the public health implications of tuberculosis of the spleen?

As a communicable disease, tuberculosis of the spleen requires contact tracing and isolation procedures to prevent transmission, especially in cases of drug-resistant strains.