ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for ear tuberculosis
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) › ear (inner) (middle)”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding ear tuberculosis
The ICD-10-CM code for ear tuberculosis is A18.6 (Tuberculosis of (inner) (middle) ear). The official index lists 3 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on A18.6.
Within A18 (tuberculosis of other organs), A18.6 is specifically for tuberculosis of (inner) (middle) ear. Related codes cover tuberculosis of bones and joints (A18.0), tuberculosis of genitourinary system (A18.1), tuberculous peripheral lymphadenopathy (A18.2), tuberculosis of intestines, peritoneum and mesenteric glands (A18.3), tuberculosis of skin and subcutaneous tissue (A18.4), tuberculosis of eye (A18.5), tuberculosis of adrenal glands (A18.7) and tuberculosis of other specified organs (A18.8).
The conditions in its Excludes2 note aren't part of A18.6, but may be coded alongside it if the patient has both: tuberculosis of external ear (A18.4) and tuberculous mastoiditis (A18.03).
As a secondary diagnosis it is a CC (complication or comorbidity), which can move an inpatient stay into the "with CC" MS-DRG of its family, unless the principal diagnosis excludes it.
More specific ear tuberculosis codes (official index)
Common questions about ear tuberculosis ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for ear tuberculosis?
- A18.6 — Tuberculosis of (inner) (middle) ear. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: A18.03, A18.4, A18.4.
What is the ICD-10 code for bone ear tuberculosis?
- A18.03 — Tuberculosis of other bones.
What is the ICD-10 code for external ear tuberculosis?
- A18.4 — Tuberculosis of skin and subcutaneous tissue.
What is the ICD-10 code for skin ear tuberculosis?
- A18.4 — Tuberculosis of skin and subcutaneous tissue.
Is A18.6 billable?
- Yes. A18.6 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can A18.6 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict A18.6 as a principal diagnosis.
Is A18.6 a CC or MCC?
- A18.6 is a CC (complication or comorbidity) under MS-DRG v44.0, unless excluded by the principal diagnosis.