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ICD-10-CM 2027

ICD-10 code for cerebrospinal tuberculosis

A17.81

Tuberculoma of brain and spinal cord

From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Tuberculosis, tubercular, tuberculous (calcification) (calcified) (caseous) (chromogenic acid-fast bacilli) (degeneration) (fibrocaseous) (fistula) (interstitial) (isolated circumscribed lesions) (necrosis) (parenchymatous) (ulcerative) › cerebrospinal”. Page updated September 29, 2026.

About coding cerebrospinal tuberculosis

The ICD-10-CM code for cerebrospinal tuberculosis is A17.81 (Tuberculoma of brain and spinal cord). The official index lists 1 more specific code, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on A17.81.

Within A17.8 (other tuberculosis of nervous system), A17.81 is specifically for tuberculoma of brain and spinal cord. Related codes cover tuberculous meningoencephalitis (A17.82), tuberculous neuritis (A17.83) and other tuberculosis of nervous system (A17.89).

As a secondary diagnosis it is an MCC (major complication or comorbidity), which can move an inpatient stay into the highest-paying "with MCC" MS-DRG of its family, unless the principal diagnosis excludes it.

In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 023 (Craniotomy with Major Device Implant or Acute Complex CNS Principal Diagnosis with MCC or Antineoplastic Implant or Epilepsy with Neurostimulator, relative weight 5.7444), DRG 024 (Craniotomy with Major Device Implant or Acute Complex CNS Principal Diagnosis without MCC, relative weight 3.9708), DRG 094 (Bacterial and Tuberculous Infections of Nervous System with MCC, relative weight 3.4124), DRG 095 (Bacterial and Tuberculous Infections of Nervous System with CC, relative weight 2.3492), DRG 096 (Bacterial and Tuberculous Infections of Nervous System without CC/MCC, relative weight 2.3213), DRG 974 (HIV with Major Related Condition with MCC, relative weight 3.0506) and 2 more, in MDC 01 (Diseases and Disorders of the Nervous System) and MDC 25 (Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infections), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.

More specific cerebrospinal tuberculosis codes (official index)

  • meninges A17.0 — Tuberculous meningitis

Common questions about cerebrospinal tuberculosis ICD-10 codes

What is the ICD-10 code for cerebrospinal tuberculosis?

A17.81 — Tuberculoma of brain and spinal cord. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: A17.0.

What is the ICD-10 code for meninges cerebrospinal tuberculosis?

A17.0 — Tuberculous meningitis.

Is A17.81 billable?

Yes. A17.81 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).

Can A17.81 be used as a principal diagnosis?

Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict A17.81 as a principal diagnosis.

Is A17.81 a CC or MCC?

A17.81 is an MCC (major complication or comorbidity) under MS-DRG v44.0, unless excluded by the principal diagnosis.