Pulmonary mycobacterial infection

This code represents an infection of the lungs caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), also known as atypical mycobacteria. These are environmental organisms that can cause chronic pulmonary disease, particularly in individuals with pre-existing lung conditions or compromised immune systems. The infection is distinct from tuberculosis, which is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

This code is used when documentation explicitly states a pulmonary infection due to a mycobacterium other than Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This often includes specific NTM species identified through culture, such as Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), M. kansasii, or M. abscessus, affecting the lungs. It is appropriate when the physician's diagnosis confirms a pulmonary NTM infection.

• Do not use this code for tuberculosis; specific codes exist for various forms of tuberculosis.
• Ensure the documentation clearly differentiates between tuberculous and nontuberculous mycobacterial infections.
• If the specific NTM species is known and has a more precise code, use that code instead if available and appropriate.