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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA23.8

A23.8

Other tuberculosis of meninges

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A23.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other tuberculosis of meninges.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Other tuberculosis of meninges refers to a rare form of tuberculosis that primarily affects the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known as the meninges. This condition is often a result of hematogenous spread from a primary site of infection, typically the lungs, but can also arise from extrapulmonary sources. Symptoms may include severe headaches, fever, neck stiffness, and altered mental status. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans, along with lumbar puncture to analyze cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Treatment involves a prolonged course of antitubercular medications, often requiring a combination of isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide. Given the potential for severe neurological complications, early recognition and treatment are critical to improving patient outcomes. Public health considerations include monitoring for zoonotic transmission, particularly in areas where tuberculosis is endemic, and ensuring adequate vaccination and screening programs are in place to prevent outbreaks.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiation from other forms of meningitis
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of symptoms and diagnostic tests
  • Potential for co-infection with other pathogens
  • Variability in presentation and severity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of diagnostic criteria
  • Failure to specify the type of tuberculosis
  • Misclassification with other infectious diseases
  • Lack of evidence for treatment compliance

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, laboratory results, and treatment plans must be documented.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with neurological symptoms and a history of tuberculosis.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant tests and imaging studies are documented to support the diagnosis.

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Neurological assessments, imaging results, and CSF analysis must be clearly documented.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with altered mental status and signs of meningitis.

Billing Considerations

Document any differential diagnoses considered and ruled out.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A23.8 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, A23
  • 8 should be used when the tuberculosis infection specifically involves the meninges and is not classified under other codes
  • It is important to document the specific type of tuberculosis and any associated complications

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A23.8 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

62270CPT Code

Lumbar puncture

Clinical Scenario

Used to obtain CSF for analysis in suspected cases of meningitis.

Documentation Requirements

Document indication for the procedure and results of CSF analysis.

Specialty Considerations

Neurology specialists should ensure thorough documentation of neurological assessments.

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 the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. A23.8 provides a distinct code for other forms of meningitis due to tuberculosis, enhancing clarity in patient records.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of tuberculosis-related conditions, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. A23.8 provides a distinct code for other forms of meningitis due to tuberculosis, enhancing clarity in patient records.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. A23.8 provides a distinct code for other forms of meningitis due to tuberculosis, enhancing clarity in patient records.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Tuberculosis Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Tuberculosis Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of tuberculosis of the meninges?

Common symptoms include severe headaches, fever, neck stiffness, altered mental status, and neurological deficits.

How is tuberculosis of the meninges diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically made through a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid obtained via lumbar puncture.

What is the treatment for tuberculosis of the meninges?

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