Advanced Search

Pulmonology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Don't Forget 5th Digit Code For TB Diagnosis

Published on Thu Dec 27, 2012

Question: Is the ICD9 code for extra-pulmonary TB 011.8(fifth digit)? The documentation read "the TB was found in lymph node smear from neck, AFB stained, that the beaded acid fast bacteria represent mycobacterium TB." Kentucky Subscriber Answer: Whenever you have a diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB), the first thing to check is to see the location in which the TB was found. If it is pulmonary, you will have to report it based on the associated respiratory conditions using one of the ten codes in 011 (Pulmonary tuberculosis) category. For example, if the diagnosis is tuberculous pneumonia, you will report 011.6 (Tuberculous pneumonia [any form]). Depending on the method used in the diagnosis, a fifth digit expansion should then be chosen. If the diagnosis of tuberculosis is extra-pulmonary, you will have to choose from the appropriate code for the organ system. Depending on the organ system, you have the following set [...]
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Pulmonology Coding Alert

View All