Latent tuberculosis
ICD-10 Z22.7 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of latent tuberculosis.
Latent tuberculosis (LTBI) refers to a state where an individual is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis but does not exhibit active disease symptoms and is not contagious. This condition is significant in public health as it poses a risk for progression to active tuberculosis, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems or other risk factors. Social determinants of health, such as socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and living conditions, can influence the likelihood of LTBI and its management. Preventive care strategies include screening high-risk populations, such as those with close contact to active TB cases, healthcare workers, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Screening methods typically involve tuberculin skin tests (TST) or interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs). Aftercare for patients with LTBI often involves monitoring and, in some cases, administering preventive therapy to reduce the risk of developing active TB. Effective management requires collaboration between healthcare providers and public health entities to address the social factors that contribute to TB transmission and treatment adherence.
Documentation should include patient history, risk factors, screening results, and any preventive measures taken.
Routine checkups where TB screening is indicated, follow-up visits for LTBI management, and patient education on TB.
Consideration of social determinants such as housing stability, access to healthcare, and patient education on TB transmission.
Population-level data collection, surveillance reports, and documentation of community outreach efforts.
Epidemiological studies, community screening events, and public health interventions targeting high-risk populations.
Focus on tracking health disparities and ensuring equitable access to TB screening and treatment.
Used for screening patients at risk for latent tuberculosis.
Document the reason for the test, results, and follow-up plan.
Primary care providers should ensure comprehensive patient education on TB.
Latent tuberculosis means the person is infected with TB bacteria but does not have symptoms and cannot spread the disease. Active tuberculosis means the bacteria are active, causing symptoms and can be transmitted to others. Proper documentation is crucial to differentiate between the two for accurate coding.
