Tuberculoid leprosy [type T]

This code represents tuberculoid leprosy, a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It is characterized by well-demarcated skin lesions, often anesthetic, and significant nerve involvement leading to sensory loss and motor weakness. This form of leprosy is typically less severe and less contagious than lepromatous leprosy.

Use this code when documentation specifies a diagnosis of tuberculoid leprosy. This diagnosis is typically made based on clinical presentation, skin biopsy showing granulomas with few bacilli, and nerve involvement. Supporting documentation should clearly indicate the specific type of leprosy.

• Differentiate from other forms of leprosy (e.g., lepromatous, borderline) based on physician documentation.
• Ensure the documentation specifies "tuberculoid" to avoid miscoding to a more general or different type of leprosy.
• Look for associated neurological manifestations or skin lesions described as anesthetic, which are characteristic of this type.