The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) is a crucial system for standardizing diagnosis codes across healthcare. For professionals needing to interpret medical documentation, whether in healthcare administration or related fields, understanding these codes is paramount. Among these, code A31.0 specifically points to Pulmonary mycobacterial infection. This code is essential for accurate medical billing, record-keeping, and understanding the nature of respiratory illnesses.
Unpacking the A31.0 Code: Pulmonary Mycobacterial Infection
ICD-10-CM code A31.0 is categorized as a billable/specific code, meaning it can be used directly for diagnosis and reimbursement purposes. It became effective in October 2015, and the current 2025 edition remains unchanged from previous years. This code falls under the broader category of “Infection due to other mycobacteria” (A31), specifying that the infection is pulmonary, meaning it affects the lungs.
A31.0 is used to diagnose infections caused by specific types of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). These include:
- Mycobacterium avium: This is one of the most common NTM species causing lung infections.
- Mycobacterium intracellulare (Battey bacillus): Often grouped with Mycobacterium avium, these bacteria are collectively known as Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC).
- Mycobacterium kansasii: Another NTM species known to cause pulmonary disease.
It’s important to note that A31.0 is distinct from codes for tuberculosis (TB). NTM infections, while sharing some similarities with TB, are caused by different bacteria and require different treatment approaches.
Alt text: Diagnostic codes chart illustrating pulmonary diseases, highlighting ICD-10-CM code A31.0 for pulmonary mycobacterial infection within a broader classification of respiratory illnesses.
Synonyms and Clinical Descriptions for A31.0
To ensure accurate interpretation of medical records, familiarity with synonyms and related clinical descriptions for A31.0 is crucial. These include:
- Atypical mycobacterial infection of lung
- Disseminated mycobacterium kansasii infection
- Infection due to mycobacterium avium-intracellulare group
- Mycobacterial infection, disseminated, kansasii
- Mycobacterial pneumonia, non-TB
- Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection
- Mycobacterium avium intracellulare, localized
- Non-tuberculous mycobacterial pneumonia
- Pulmonary mycobacterial avium infection
- Pulmonary mycobacterium avium complex infection
These terms all refer to lung infections caused by mycobacteria other than Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Recognizing these various descriptions helps in correctly identifying A31.0 as the appropriate diagnosis code.
Understanding the Significance of A31.0 in Diagnosis
The A31.0 Diagnosis code is vital for classifying and understanding pulmonary infections caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria. These infections can present with symptoms similar to tuberculosis, such as cough, fatigue, and weight loss, but are distinct entities. Accurate diagnosis, using codes like A31.0, is essential for guiding appropriate treatment strategies and differentiating NTM lung disease from other respiratory conditions. For those working with medical records or insurance claims, correctly identifying and understanding the implications of the A31.0 code is a key aspect of professional competence.
