A50-A64
Medium Complexity
Infections with a predominantly sexual mode of transmission
Primary Specialty: Infectious Disease
Last Updated: 2025-09-09
ICD-10 Codes (131)
129 billable2 category headers
A51Billable
A51.0Billable
A51.1Billable
A51.2Billable
A51.3Billable
A51.31Billable
A51.32Billable
A51.39Billable
A51.4Billable
A51.41Billable
A51.42Billable
A51.43Billable
A51.44Billable
A51.45Billable
A51.46Billable
A51.49Billable
A51.5Billable
A51.9Billable
A52Billable
A52.0Billable
A52.00Billable
A52.01Billable
A52.02Billable
A52.03Billable
A52.04Billable
A52.05Billable
A52.06Billable
A52.09Billable
A52.1Billable
A52.10Billable
A52.11Billable
A52.12Billable
A52.13Billable
A52.14Billable
A52.15Billable
A52.16Billable
A52.17Billable
A52.19Billable
A52.2Billable
A52.3Billable
A52.7Billable
A52.71Billable
A52.72Billable
A52.73Billable
A52.74Billable
A52.75Billable
A52.76Billable
A52.77Billable
A52.78Billable
A52.79Billable
A52.8Billable
A52.9Billable
A53Billable
A53.0Billable
A53.9Billable
A54Billable
A54.0Billable
A54.00Billable
A54.01Billable
A54.02Billable
A54.03Billable
A54.09Billable
A54.1Billable
A54.2Billable
A54.21Billable
A54.22Billable
A54.23Billable
A54.24Billable
A54.29Billable
A54.3Billable
A54.30Billable
A54.31Billable
A54.32Billable
A54.33Billable
A54.39Billable
A54.4Billable
A54.40Billable
A54.41Billable
A54.42Billable
A54.43Billable
A54.49Billable
A54.5Billable
A54.6Billable
A54.8Billable
A54.81Billable
A54.82Billable
A54.83Billable
A54.84Billable
A54.85Billable
A54.86Billable
A54.89Billable
A54.9Billable
A55Billable
A56Billable
A56.0Billable
A56.00Billable
A56.01Billable
A56.02Billable
A56.09Billable
A56.1Billable
A56.11Billable
A56.19Billable
A56.2Billable
A56.3Billable
A56.4Billable
A56.8Billable
A57Billable
A58Billable
A59Billable
A59.0Billable
A59.00Billable
A59.01Billable
A59.02Billable
A59.03Billable
A59.09Billable
A59.8Billable
A59.9Billable
A60A60.0Billable
A60.00Billable
A60.01Billable
A60.02Billable
A60.03Billable
A60.04Billable
A60.09Billable
A60.1Billable
A60.9Billable
A63A63.0Billable
A63.8Billable
A64Billable
Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
Current Year
New Codes (2)
A04.72
Enterocolitis due to Clostridioides difficile, recurrent
A04.73
Enterocolitis due to Clostridioides difficile, not responsive to therapy
Revised Codes (2)
A04.71
Updated to clarify "initial episode" terminology for Clostridioides difficile
A08.11
Acute gastroenteropathy due to Norovirus - enhanced specificity
Deleted Codes
No codes deleted in this range for FY 2026
Historical Changes
- •FY 2025: Routine maintenance updates with minor terminology clarifications
- •FY 2024: Enhanced specificity requirements for certain code ranges
- •FY 2023: Updated documentation guidelines for improved clarity
Upcoming Changes
- •Proposed updates pending review by Coordination and Maintenance Committee
- •Under consideration: Enhanced digital health integration codes
Implementation Guidance
- •Review all FY 2026 updates for A50-A64 codes before implementation
- •Always verify the most current codes in the ICD-10-CM manual
- •Ensure clinical documentation supports the selected diagnosis codes
- +3 more guidance items...
Range Overview
high priority
The ICD-10 code range A50-A64 is dedicated to infections with a predominantly sexual mode of transmission. This includes a variety of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydial infections, and more. These codes are used to document and track the incidence of these infections, facilitating epidemiological studies, public health initiatives, and individual patient care.
Key Usage Points:
- •Always specify the type of infection when coding within this range.
- •Use additional codes to identify any associated complications.
- •For recurrent infections, use the appropriate recurrent code.
- •Codes for asymptomatic conditions should only be used when the infection is confirmed.
- •In the case of pregnant patients, also code any associated maternal infectious and parasitic diseases classifiable elsewhere.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- âś“When a patient is diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection.
- âś“When a patient presents with symptoms indicative of a sexually transmitted infection.
- âś“When a patient has a confirmed recurrent sexually transmitted infection.
- âś“When a patient's sexual partner has been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection.
- âś“When a pregnant patient has a sexually transmitted infection.
When NOT to Use:
- âś—When a patient presents with symptoms but testing for sexually transmitted infections is negative.
- âś—When a patient has a history of sexually transmitted infections but no current infection.
- âś—When a patient is being tested for sexually transmitted infections as part of routine screening without any symptoms or exposure.
- âś—When a patient presents with a urinary tract infection or other non-sexually transmitted infection.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions with the patient's medical record and the latest ICD-10 guidelines.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation for codes in the A50-A64 range must be comprehensive and specific. It should include the type of infection, any associated complications, and the patient's sexual history.
Clinical Information:
- •Type of sexually transmitted infection
- •Presence of any associated complications
- •Patient's sexual history
- •Results of any relevant diagnostic tests
- •Patient's symptomatology
Supporting Evidence:
- •Lab reports confirming the infection
- •Clinical notes detailing the patient's symptoms and sexual history
- •Imaging reports if relevant (e.g., for pelvic inflammatory disease)
Good Documentation Example:
Patient presents with dysuria and discharge. Gonorrhea confirmed by lab testing. Patient reports multiple sexual partners and inconsistent condom use.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient presents with symptoms of STD.
Common Documentation Errors:
- âš Not specifying the type of infection
- âš Failing to document associated complications
- âš Not including the patient's sexual history
- âš Not providing supporting evidence such as lab reports
Range Statistics
13
Total Codes
129
Billable
Complexity:
Medium
Primary Use:Clinical Documentation
Chapter:1
Coding Complexity
Medium
Complexity Rating
Coding for sexually transmitted infections can be complex due to the need to specify the type of infection, identify any associated complications, and code for recurrent or asymptomatic conditions. Additionally, coding for infections in pregnant patients can add another layer of complexity.
Key Factors:
- â–¸The need to specify the type of infection
- â–¸The need to identify any associated complications
- â–¸The need to code for recurrent infections
- â–¸The need to code for asymptomatic conditions
- â–¸The need to code for infections in pregnant patients
Specialty Focus
While these codes can be used across many specialties, they are most commonly used in gynecology, urology, and infectious disease specialties.
Primary Specialties:
Gynecology
40%
Urology
30%
Infectious Disease
30%
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient presenting with symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection
- • A patient with a confirmed sexually transmitted infection and associated complications
- • A patient with a recurrent sexually transmitted infection
- • A pregnant patient with a sexually transmitted infection
- • A patient whose sexual partner has been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection
Resources & References
There are many resources available for coding sexually transmitted infections, including the official ICD-10 guidelines, clinical reference sources, and educational materials.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- CDC's ICD-10 resources
- WHO's ICD-10 resources
Clinical References:
- CDC's Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines
- American Sexual Health Association's resources
Educational Materials:
- AAPC's ICD-10 training
- AHIMA's ICD-10 resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a code from the A50-A64 range if the patient's sexually transmitted infection is asymptomatic?
Yes, you can use a code from this range for asymptomatic conditions, but only if the infection is confirmed by lab testing.