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ICD-10 Coding for Mycobacterium avium complex(A31.2)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Mycobacterium avium complex. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

MACM. avium-intracellulareM. aviumM. intracellulare

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Mycobacterium avium complex

A31-A32Primary Range

Infections due to other mycobacteria

This range includes infections caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria, such as MAC.

Pneumonia due to other infectious organisms

Relevant for coding pneumonia caused by MAC.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for Mycobacterium avium complex

Essential facts and insights about Mycobacterium avium complex

The ICD-10 code for Mycobacterium avium complex is A31.2, used when confirmed by lab tests and clinical symptoms.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for mycobacterium avium complex

Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare (MAC)
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of chronic respiratory symptoms and positive MAC culture

documentation Criteria

  • Document lab test results confirming MAC

Applicable To

  • M. avium
  • M. intracellulare
  • M. chimaera

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Positive culture or PCR for MAC
  • Chronic symptoms such as cough, weight loss, or fever
  • Radiographic evidence of nodular bronchiectasis or cavitary lesions

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as tuberculosis
  • Failure to document lab confirmation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure lab confirmation of MAC is documented. Sequence A31.2 before any manifestation codes.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Pneumonia due to other bacteria

J16.0
Use when MAC causes pneumonia, alongside A31.2.

Malabsorption due to MAC

K92.81
Use when MAC causes malabsorption symptoms.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Tuberculosis of lung

A15.0
Positive AFB smear and MTB PCR confirm tuberculosis.

HIV disease

B20
Use when MAC occurs in an HIV-positive patient with CD4 count <50 cells/mm³.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Mycobacterium avium complex to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code A31.2.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify 'Mycobacterium avium complex' in documentation., Verify lab results before coding.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to lower DRG reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure lab results confirm MAC before coding.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of MAC can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all lab results and clinical symptoms are thoroughly documented.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Mycobacterium avium complex, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Mycobacterium avium complex

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Mycobacterium avium complex. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Pulmonary MAC in HIV patient

Specialty: Infectious Disease

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Lab results
  • Radiographic findings
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with chronic cough, weight loss. Sputum PCR positive for MAC. Start clarithromycin/ethambutol.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has lung infection, treat with antibiotics.
Good Documentation Example
Patient presents with 8-week history of productive cough, weight loss. CT shows bronchiectasis. Sputum PCR positive for Mycobacterium avium complex.
Explanation
The good example provides specific symptoms, lab confirmation, and imaging findings.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Mycobacterium avium complex? Ask your questions below.

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