ICD-10 code for spine abscess

The ICD-10-CM code for spine abscess is A18.01 (Tuberculosis of spine). The official index lists 1 more specific code, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on A18.01.

Within A18.0 (tuberculosis of bones and joints), A18.01 is specifically for tuberculosis of spine. Related codes cover tuberculous arthritis of other joints (A18.02), tuberculosis of other bones (A18.03) and other musculoskeletal tuberculosis (A18.09).

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.

In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 456 (Spinal Fusion Except Cervical with Spinal Curvature, Malignancy, or Infection with MCC, relative weight 7.6244), DRG 457 (Spinal Fusion Except Cervical with Spinal Curvature, Malignancy, or Infection with CC, relative weight 5.3668), DRG 458 (Spinal Fusion Except Cervical with Spinal Curvature, Malignancy, or Infection without CC/MCC, relative weight 4.0388), DRG 539 (Osteomyelitis with MCC, relative weight 1.9385), DRG 540 (Osteomyelitis with CC, relative weight 1.3079), DRG 541 (Osteomyelitis without CC/MCC, relative weight 0.8297) and 3 more, in MDC 08 (Diseases and Disorders of the Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue) 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.