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ICD-10 Coding for Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection(A31.2, A31.0)

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

Also known as:

MAC infectionMycobacterium avium complex infectionMAI infection

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection

A31Primary Range

Infections due to other mycobacteria

This range includes codes for infections caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria, such as Mycobacterium avium complex.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
A31.2Disseminated mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex (DMAC)Use when MAC involves two or more non-contiguous organs.
  • Positive blood or bone marrow cultures
  • Imaging showing multi-organ involvement
A31.0Pulmonary mycobacterial infectionUse for isolated lung involvement with radiographic evidence.
  • Two or more positive sputum cultures
  • CT showing cavitary lesions

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for disseminated MAC

Essential facts and insights about Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection

The ICD-10 code for disseminated Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex (MAC) is A31.2.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for mycobacterium avium intracellulare infection

Disseminated mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex (DMAC)
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of MAC in multiple organs confirmed by culture or PCR.

Applicable To

  • Disseminated MAC involving multiple organs

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Positive blood or bone marrow cultures
  • Imaging showing multi-organ involvement

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with pulmonary MAC if dissemination is not confirmed.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure dissemination is confirmed before using A31.2.

Ancillary Codes

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

HIV disease

B20
Sequence first in HIV-associated MAC cases.

COPD, unspecified

J44.9
Use when COPD is a comorbidity.

Differential Codes

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

Pulmonary mycobacterial infection

A31.0
Use A31.0 for isolated lung involvement without evidence of dissemination.

Disseminated mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex

A31.2
Use A31.2 if there is confirmed dissemination beyond the lungs.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: Leads to incorrect treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify specific MAC identification before coding., Use culture results to guide code selection.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to improper DRG assignment., Compliance: May result in compliance issues with coding standards., Data Quality: Affects accuracy of clinical data and patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure MAC is confirmed by culture or PCR and differentiate from TB using specific tests.

Impact

Risk of coding MAC as TB due to similar clinical presentations.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure differentiation through specific lab tests and documentation.

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-intracellulare infection, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection

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

Pulmonary MAC in a COPD patient

Specialty: Pulmonology

Required Elements

  • Chief complaint
  • History of present illness
  • Imaging results
  • Lab results
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with chronic cough and weight loss. CT chest shows nodular bronchiectasis. Sputum cultures positive for MAC. Diagnosis: Pulmonary MAC (A31.0).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient with cough. Possible MAC.
Good Documentation Example
6-week history of productive cough, 10 lb weight loss. CT chest: bilateral nodular bronchiectasis. Sputum AFB cultures x3 positive for MAC. Diagnosis: Pulmonary MAC infection (A31.0).
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical findings and test results confirming the diagnosis.

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

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