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ICD-10 Coding for Positive Tuberculosis Test(R76.11, Z11.1)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Positive Tuberculosis Test. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Positive TB TestPositive Tuberculin Skin TestPositive TST

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Positive Tuberculosis Test

R76.11Primary Range

Abnormal reaction to tuberculin skin test without active tuberculosis

Used for positive TB skin test results without evidence of active TB.

Encounter for screening for respiratory tuberculosis

Used for screening encounters where TB testing is performed.

Tuberculosis

Used when active tuberculosis is confirmed.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
R76.11Abnormal reaction to tuberculin skin test without active tuberculosisUse when a tuberculin skin test is positive, but there is no evidence of active TB.
  • Induration measurement in mm
  • Test type (e.g., TST or IGRA)
  • Clinical context and risk factors
Z11.1Encounter for screening for respiratory tuberculosisUse for preventive screening encounters.
  • Screening encounter documentation

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 positive TB test

Essential facts and insights about Positive Tuberculosis Test

The ICD-10 code for a positive TB test without active tuberculosis is R76.11. Use Z11.1 for screening encounters.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for positive tuberculosis test

Abnormal reaction to tuberculin skin test without active tuberculosis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Induration of ≥5mm for high-risk groups, ≥10mm for others with risk factors, ≥15mm for low-risk individuals.

Applicable To

  • Positive tuberculin skin test

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Induration measurement in mm
  • Test type (e.g., TST or IGRA)
  • Clinical context and risk factors

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with latent TB infection codes

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes induration size and clinical context.

Ancillary Codes

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

Encounter for screening for respiratory tuberculosis

Z11.1
Use as primary code for screening encounters.

Differential Codes

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

Latent tuberculosis

Z22.7
Use Z22.7 when latent TB infection is confirmed.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Positive Tuberculosis Test to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R76.11.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate assessment of TB risk, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure induration is measured and recorded, Use standardized templates

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect reimbursement rates, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate health data records

Mitigation Strategy

Use A15-A19 for confirmed active TB.

Impact

Inaccurate or incomplete documentation of TB test results.

Mitigation Strategy

Use standardized templates and ensure all required elements are 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 Positive Tuberculosis Test, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Positive Tuberculosis Test

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Positive Tuberculosis Test. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Occupational Health TB Screening

Specialty: Occupational Medicine

Required Elements

  • Patient name
  • Date of test
  • Induration size
  • Reader's name

Example Documentation

[Patient Name] presented for [EMPLOYER] mandated TB screening (Z02.89). TST Administered: Date placed: MM/DD/YYYY, Manufacturer: Tubersol®, Lot #: 12345, Exp: MM/YYYY, Dose: 0.1mL intradermal (L forearm). 48-72hr Reading: Date read: MM/DD/YYYY, Induration: __ mm, Erythema: __ mm, Interpretation: Positive/Negative per [CDC 2024 Guidelines], Reader: [Name/Credentials]. Clinical Correlation: ☐ No TB symptoms | ☐ Normal CXR (DATE) | ☐ LTBI education provided ☐ Referred to [ID Specialist] for LTBI treatment.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
PPD positive
Good Documentation Example
15mm induration noted 72hr post-TST placement (Lot: 12345, Exp: 06/2025). CXR clear. No cough/weight loss.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details required for accurate coding and documentation.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Positive Tuberculosis Test? Ask your questions below.

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