AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-9 - 2011 Issue 4; VOLUMES 1 & 2 NEW/REVISED CODES
Nonspecific Reaction to Test for Tuberculosis
Effective October 1, 2011, code 795.5, Nonspecific reaction to tuberculin skin test without active tuberculosis, has been expanded to distinguish between nonspecific reaction to tuberculin skin test without active tuberculosis (795.51), and nonspecific reaction to cell mediated immunity measurement of gamma interferon antigen response without active tuberculosis (795.52). Before 2001, the tuberculin skin test was the only available immunologic test for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection approved for use in the United States. Interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs) are now approved as an aid to diagnosing Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Prior to this coding change, ICD-9-CM was only able...
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Article Overview
This article covers an ICD-9-CM coding update for tuberculosis-related test findings effective October 1, 2011. It explains the revision to an existing nonspecific abnormal findings category and the creation of separate reporting options for different types of tuberculosis screening tests. The content is relevant to coders, billers, and compliance staff working with laboratory and infectious disease documentation.
Why This Topic Matters
Tuberculosis testing moved beyond the tuberculin skin test, and coding needed to distinguish the type of immunologic test finding documented. Accurate category selection supports cleaner reporting and better alignment with the documented test method.
Article Sections
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Effective Date and Coding Revision
Introduces the coding change and the date it became effective. Summarizes the broad purpose of the revision to the existing abnormal findings category.
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Background on Tuberculosis Testing
Provides context on historical and newer testing approaches used in the evaluation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Describes the general shift in testing methods without detailing coding decisions.
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ICD-9-CM Code Update Details
Presents the revised and newly created diagnosis categories within the abnormal findings section. Includes related excluded references and the structure of the update.
What You Will Learn
- The scope of the ICD-9-CM update for tuberculosis-related test findings
- How the article distinguishes between different categories of tuberculosis screening documentation
- Why changes to the code structure were needed as testing methods evolved
- The general context for reporting abnormal findings related to tuberculosis testing
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Billing staff
- Compliance professionals
- Clinical documentation specialists
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
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