A31.8 Other mycobacterial infections

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- Other Mycobacterial Infections

#### Summary
- Other mycobacterial infections are caused by bacteria related to tuberculosis and leprosy, known as nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). These infections can affect various parts of the body, leading to a range of symptoms depending on the specific bacteria and the site of infection.

#### Causes
- These infections are caused by mycobacteria usually found in water and soil. NTM infections can occur when a person comes into contact with these bacteria, especially if they have an underlying lung disease or a weakened immune system.

#### Risk Factors
- Risk factors include chronic lung diseases (like COPD or cystic fibrosis), a compromised immune system (e.g., HIV/AIDS, certain medications), older age, and exposure to contaminated water sources such as hot tubs and swimming pools.

#### Symptoms
- Symptoms vary but may include chronic cough, fatigue, weight loss, breathlessness, chest pain, or skin lesions, depending on the infection site.

#### Diagnosis
- Diagnosis is often made using sputum cultures, blood tests, imaging studies like chest X-rays or CT scans, and sometimes tissue biopsies to identify the presence of NTM.

#### Treatment Options
- Treatment typically involves a combination of antibiotics over a prolonged period. The regimen depends on the specific type of mycobacteria and the site of infection. Surgery may be needed in some cases to remove infected tissue.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- The prognosis varies based on the type of mycobacteria, the site of infection, and the patient’s overall health. Treatment can be long and challenging, requiring regular monitoring and follow-ups to ensure the effectiveness of therapy.

#### Complications
- Complications may include chronic lung damage, spread of the infection to other body parts, or adverse effects from long-term antibiotic use.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Maintaining good hygiene, avoiding exposure to contaminated water, and managing underlying health conditions can help prevent these infections. Ensuring proper care of medical devices and respiratory therapies can also reduce risk.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Seek medical attention if experiencing persistent symptoms such as a chronic cough, unintentional weight loss, or severe fatigue, especially if there’s a known risk factor.

#### Additional Resources
- American Lung Association: [lung.org](https://www.lung.org)
- National Institutes of Health (NIH): [nih.gov](https://www.nih.gov)
- NTM Info & Research: [ntminfo.org](https://www.ntminfo.org)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Be accurate in identifying the specific mycobacterial infection type as it affects coding.
- Ensure to distinguish this from tuberculosis (A15-A19) to avoid misclassification.

Medical Policies and Guidelines for Other mycobacterial infections

Related policies from health plans

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