2025 ICD-10-CM code A31.8
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Certain infectious and parasitic diseases - Other bacterial diseases 1 Feed
Other mycobacterial infections
The medical necessity for using this code is established when a patient presents with clinical signs and symptoms consistent with a mycobacterial infection, and laboratory testing confirms the presence of a mycobacterial species not otherwise specified in the ICD-10-CM.This code is used only when a more specific code is not available.
A patient with other mycobacterial infections can be asymptomatic. Others can experience cough, weakness, fever and chills, night sweats, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Severe infections may affect various organs and areas of the body. Laboratory analysis of a biopsy specimen from the patient’s skin or an affected nerve can detect the bacterium. Culture and smears of the patient’s sputum, blood, stool, and urine for acid–fast bacilli can detect the organism. The provider may also perform complete blood count (CBC) and other diagnostic procedures and imaging studies, depending on the manifestation. Treatment includes the use of antimycobacterial multidrug therapy sometimes for as long as 12 to 36 months. Surgery followed by antimycobacterial therapy may be helpful in severe cases.
In simple words: This code refers to an infection caused by a specific type of bacteria called mycobacteria, which is not covered by other, more specific codes. These infections can be caught in various ways, such as through contaminated water, the air, or cuts in the skin.Symptoms can range from none at all to cough, fever, chills, night sweats, and weight loss.Treatment usually involves multiple antibiotics for an extended period, sometimes up to three years. In severe cases, surgery may also be necessary.
Infections due to mycobacteria are infections caused by mycobacteria, typically ingested with contaminated water, inhaled with air, or spread through cuts in the skin. The provider documents a specific type of mycobacterial infection not represented by other codes.
Example 1: A patient presents with persistent cough, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. After ruling out other causes, a biopsy reveals infection with a rare strain of Mycobacterium abscessus., A patient with a compromised immune system develops skin lesions that are confirmed through culture to be caused by Mycobacterium marinum after exposure to contaminated water., A child experiences swollen lymph nodes and fever.A biopsy and culture confirms the presence of Mycobacterium scrofulaceum, leading to a diagnosis of scrofula.
Documentation should include evidence of the infection, such as positive cultures, microscopic examination demonstrating acid-fast bacilli (AFB), or biopsy results.The specific species of Mycobacterium should be identified whenever possible. Clinical findings supporting the diagnosis should also be documented.
** This code is used for reporting purposes when a definitive diagnosis of a specific mycobacterial infection (other than leprosy or tuberculosis) has been established.
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Pulmonology, Dermatology, General Practice
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, On Campus-Outpatient Hospital, Office, Independent Clinic