ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for ulcer 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) › ulcer (skin) (primary)”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding ulcer tuberculosis
The ICD-10-CM code for ulcer tuberculosis is A18.4 (Tuberculosis of skin and subcutaneous tissue). The official index lists 1 more specific code, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on A18.4.
Within A18 (tuberculosis of other organs), A18.4 is specifically for tuberculosis of skin and subcutaneous tissue. 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 eye (A18.5), tuberculosis of (inner) (middle) ear (A18.6), tuberculosis of adrenal glands (A18.7) and tuberculosis of other specified organs (A18.8).
The conditions in its Excludes2 note aren't part of A18.4, but may be coded alongside it if the patient has both: lupus erythematosus (L93.-) and systemic lupus erythematosus (M32.-).
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 ulcer tuberculosis codes (official index)
- bowel or intestine A18.32 — Tuberculous enteritis
- specified NEC - code under Tuberculosis, by site
Common questions about ulcer tuberculosis ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for ulcer tuberculosis?
- A18.4 — Tuberculosis of skin and subcutaneous tissue. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: A18.32.
What is the ICD-10 code for bowel or intestine ulcer tuberculosis?
- A18.32 — Tuberculous enteritis.
Is A18.4 billable?
- Yes. A18.4 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can A18.4 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict A18.4 as a principal diagnosis.
Is A18.4 a CC or MCC?
- A18.4 is a CC (complication or comorbidity) under MS-DRG v44.0, unless excluded by the principal diagnosis.