A17: Tuberculosis of nervous system

A17 represents Tuberculosis of nervous system, a form of tuberculosis that affects specific parts of the body. Proper classification using this ICD10 code is essential for accurate diagnosis, public health reporting, and treatment planning. As tuberculosis remains a global health concern, precise documentation ensures timely medical response and proper resource allocation. This code helps standardize reporting across providers, enabling better communication and epidemiological tracking.

Symptoms

• Persistent cough – Often lasting more than three weeks
• Fever – Especially in the evenings or at night
• Weight loss – Unintentional and progressive
• Fatigue – Persistent tiredness and weakness
• Night sweats – Excessive sweating during sleep
• Chest pain – Particularly when breathing or coughing
• Neurological issues – Specific to nervous system tuberculosis

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Tuberculosis of nervous system generally involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging, and laboratory testing. A chest X-ray or CT scan may reveal lesions or abnormalities, while sputum tests or cerebrospinal fluid analysis help identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis. For extrapulmonary TB, tissue biopsies and cultures are often required. The Mantoux tuberculin skin test and interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) also support the diagnosis, especially in early stages or latent infections.

ICD10 Code Usage

ICD10 code A17 is used in electronic health records (EHRs), insurance billing, discharge summaries, and health data analytics. Clinicians and medical coders rely on it to ensure accurate classification and reimbursement. Public health departments use aggregated data from ICD10 codes for TB surveillance and outbreak tracking. Consistent use of the correct code supports better decision-making in patient care and resource management.

Related Codes

• A15 – Respiratory tuberculosis
• A18 – Tuberculosis of other organs
• A19 – Miliary tuberculosis

FAQs

Q1: What is ICD10 code A17?
A: It is used to classify and document cases of Tuberculosis of nervous system in healthcare records.

Q2: Is ICD10 code A17 specific to tuberculosis?
A: Yes, it refers specifically to a form or location of tuberculosis.

Q3: Can this code be used for hospital billing?
A: Yes, it ensures that treatments for TB are correctly documented and billed.

Q4: Is tuberculosis contagious?
A: Yes, especially in respiratory forms. Proper treatment and isolation are key to preventing spread.

Q5: How is tuberculosis treated?
A: Treatment typically involves a 6-month course of antibiotics like isoniazid and rifampicin.

Conclusion

ICD10 code A17 plays a critical role in diagnosing and managing Tuberculosis of nervous system. Proper documentation with this code ensures accurate treatment, improves data collection for public health, and supports consistent clinical communication. Recognizing and coding tuberculosis correctly remains vital in the global effort to control and eventually eradicate the disease.