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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA17

A17

Tuberculosis of nervous system

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A17 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of tuberculosis of nervous system.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Tuberculosis of the nervous system is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. It can manifest in various forms, including tuberculous meningitis, tuberculomas, and spinal tuberculosis. The condition often arises from a primary pulmonary infection that disseminates to the central nervous system (CNS). Symptoms may include severe headaches, fever, altered mental status, seizures, and focal neurological deficits. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans, and laboratory tests including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, which may reveal elevated protein levels, lymphocytic pleocytosis, and the presence of acid-fast bacilli. Treatment usually requires a prolonged course of antitubercular medications, often including isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol, with careful monitoring for drug resistance and side effects. Public health considerations are paramount, as tuberculosis is a communicable disease, necessitating contact tracing and isolation protocols to prevent transmission. Drug resistance is a significant concern, particularly in cases of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), which complicates treatment and increases morbidity and mortality rates.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between various forms of tuberculosis affecting the nervous system
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of clinical findings and diagnostic tests
  • Potential for co-infection with other pathogens, complicating the diagnosis
  • Variability in treatment regimens based on drug resistance patterns

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of neurological symptoms
  • Failure to report drug resistance testing results
  • Insufficient detail in treatment plans and follow-up care
  • Lack of public health reporting for communicable diseases

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with neurological symptoms and a history of tuberculosis.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of drug resistance and the need for multidisciplinary management.

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Neurological examination findings, imaging results, and CSF analysis.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with altered mental status or seizures with a known history of tuberculosis.

Billing Considerations

Coordination with infectious disease specialists for comprehensive care.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A17 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, A17 should be used when tuberculosis specifically affects the nervous system
  • It is important to document the type of neurological involvement and any associated complications

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A17 When
  • Exclusion criteria include cases where tuberculosis is not the primary cause of neurological symptoms

Related Codes

Child Codes

8 codes
A17.0
Tuberculous meningitis
A17.1
Meningeal tuberculoma
A17.8
Other tuberculosis of nervous system
A17.81
Tuberculoma of brain and spinal cord
A17.82
Tuberculous meningoencephalitis
A17.83
Tuberculous neuritis
A17.89
Other tuberculosis of nervous system
A17.9
Tuberculosis of nervous system, unspecified

Related CPT Codes

62270CPT Code

Lumbar puncture

Clinical Scenario

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

Documentation Requirements

Document indication for lumbar puncture and CSF findings.

Specialty Considerations

Infectious disease specialists may need to interpret CSF 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 nervous system. This specificity aids in better tracking of disease prevalence and treatment outcomes, as well as improved public health reporting.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of tuberculosis cases, including those affecting the nervous system. This specificity aids in better tracking of disease prevalence and treatment outcomes, as well as improved public health reporting.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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 nervous system?

Common symptoms include severe headaches, fever, altered mental status, seizures, and focal neurological deficits.

How is tuberculosis of the nervous system diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for signs of infection.

What are the treatment options for tuberculosis of the nervous system?

Treatment usually involves a multi-drug regimen including isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol, with careful monitoring for drug resistance.