Is ICD-10-CM code A15 billable?

No, A15 (Respiratory tuberculosis) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM code. It must be coded to a more specific subcategory before it can be used for reimbursement.

What chapter does ICD-10-CM code A15 belong to?

A15 belongs to Chapter 1 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: A00–B99 (Certain Infectious and Parasitic Diseases).

A15Not billable, use a more specific code below

Respiratory tuberculosis

In Tuberculosis (A15-A19), chapter 1: Certain Infectious and Parasitic Diseases

7 billable codes under A15: all are a CC; none map to an HCC.A CC or MCC (major CC) is a secondary diagnosis that raises the MS-DRG payment.

Instructional notes

Also applies, from Tuberculosis (A15-A19)

These notes sit on A15-A19 and apply to every code under it, including A15.

Includes: conditions that are coded here

infections due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

congenital tuberculosis (P37.0)
nonspecific reaction to test for tuberculosis without active tuberculosis (R76.1-)
pneumoconiosis associated with tuberculosis, any type in A15 (J65)
positive PPD (R76.11)
positive tuberculin skin test without active tuberculosis (R76.11)
sequelae of tuberculosis (B90.-)
silicotuberculosis (J65)

Use additional code: add a second code for this, listed after this one

code, if applicable, for associated cachexia (E88.A)

Official coding guidelines

From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.

Rules for coding infections and parasitic diseases, including HIV, organism and drug resistance codes, sepsis and septic shock, MRSA, Zika, and COVID-19.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infections (page 19)
Infectious agents as the cause of diseases classified to other chapters (page 22)
Infections resistant to antibiotics (page 22)
Sepsis, Severe Sepsis, and Septic Shock (page 23)
Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Conditions (page 27)
Zika virus infections (page 28)
Coronavirus infections (page 28)

Read Section I.C.1 (page 19)

All codes under A15

A15 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

A15 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, all 7 billable codes under A15 group to MS-DRG 177, 178, 179, 974, 975, or 976 (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

Other codes that refer to A15

Notes on these codes point to A15.

A31 Excludes2: tuberculosis (A15-A19)
D61.82 Code Also: tuberculosis (A15.-)
J60 Excludes1: coalworker pneumoconiosis with tuberculosis, any type in A15 (J65)
J61 Excludes1: pneumoconiosis with tuberculosis, any type in A15 (J65)
J62 Excludes1: pneumoconiosis with tuberculosis, any type in A15 (J65)
J63 Excludes1: pneumoconiosis with tuberculosis, any type in A15 (J65)
J64 Excludes1: pneumonoconiosis with tuberculosis, any type in A15 (J65)
J65 Includes: Any condition in J60-J64 with tuberculosis, any type in A15
J93 Excludes1: tuberculous (current disease) pneumothorax (A15.-)
J94 Excludes1: tuberculous pleural conditions (current disease) (A15.-)
J98.11 Excludes1: tuberculous atelectasis (current disease) (A15)
O98.0 Includes: Conditions in A15-A19

About the condition

Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial disease that usually attacks the lungs. But it can also attack other parts of the body, including the kidneys, spine, and brain.

Code history

Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.