Pulmonary diseases due to other mycobacteria

This code identifies pulmonary infections caused by mycobacterial species other than Mycobacterium tuberculosis. These are often referred to as nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung diseases, which can manifest with chronic cough, dyspnea, and fatigue, and may mimic tuberculosis or other chronic lung conditions.

Apply this code when documentation specifies a pulmonary infection confirmed to be caused by an "atypical" or "nontuberculous" mycobacterium. This typically requires positive cultures identifying the specific NTM species (e.g., M. avium complex, M. kansasii, M. abscessus) from respiratory specimens, along with clinical and radiographic evidence of lung disease.

• Ensure the documentation clearly distinguishes NTM infection from tuberculosis (TB); if TB, use codes from category 011.
• Look for specific mention of the mycobacterial species identified; if unspecified, query for clarification.
• Code any associated chronic lung conditions (e.g., bronchiectasis, COPD) separately as secondary diagnoses.