Observation for suspected tuberculosis

This code signifies a patient is being observed or evaluated for potential tuberculosis (TB) infection, but a definitive diagnosis has not yet been established. It indicates a suspicion of TB requiring further diagnostic workup, rather than a confirmed active or latent disease.

Use this code when a patient presents with symptoms suggestive of TB (e.g., persistent cough, fever, weight loss, night sweats) and is undergoing diagnostic testing such as sputum smears, cultures, or chest X-rays to rule out or confirm the infection. It is appropriate for initial encounters where TB is a differential diagnosis.

• Do not use this code for confirmed active TB (e.g., 011.xx) or latent TB infection (e.g., V07.2).
• This code should be followed by additional codes for any presenting symptoms or abnormal findings.
• Consider if a more specific "rule out" code for other conditions might be more appropriate if TB is not the primary suspicion.