A65-A69
Medium Complexity

Other spirochetal diseases

Primary Specialty: Infectious Disease
Last Updated: 2025-09-09

ICD-10 Codes (32)

32 billable
0 category headers
A66
Billable
Yaws
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A66.0
Billable
Primary genital syphilis
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A66.1
Billable
Primary genital syphilis
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A66.2
Billable
Yaws of bones
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A66.3
Billable
Yaws of bones
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A66.4
Billable
Yaws of bones
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A66.5
Billable
Yaws of bones
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A66.6
Billable
Yaws of bones
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A66.7
Billable
Yaws of bones
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A66.8
Billable
Other specified yaws infections
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A66.9
Billable
Yaws, unspecified
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A67
Billable
Leptospirosis
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A67.0
Billable
Leptospirosis Weil's disease
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A67.1
Billable
Leptospirosis Weil's disease
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A67.2
Billable
Leptospirosis Weil's disease
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A67.3
Billable
Leptospirosis icterohemorrhagica
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A67.9
Billable
Leptospirosis, unspecified
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A68
Billable
Relapsing fever
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A68.0
Billable
Infections caused by Escherichia coli [E. coli] in diseases classified elsewhere
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A68.1
Billable
Epidemic louse-borne typhus
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A68.9
Billable
Relapsing fever, unspecified
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A69
Billable
Other specified spirochetal infections.
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A69.0
Billable
Lyme disease
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A69.1
Billable
Other specified spirochetal infections, early disseminated.
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A69.2
Billable
Other neurosyphilis
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A69.20
Billable
Lyme disease, unspecified
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A69.21
Billable
Meningitis due to Lyme disease
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A69.22
Billable
Other neurologic disorders in Lyme disease
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A69.23
Billable
Arthritis due to Lyme disease
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A69.29
Billable
Other conditions associated with Lyme disease
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A69.8
Billable
Other specified infections not elsewhere classified
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A69.9
Billable
Lyme disease, unspecified
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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 A65-A69 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 A65-A69 categorizes other spirochetal diseases, which are infections caused by spirochete bacteria. This range includes conditions such as syphilis, yaws, pinta, and Lyme disease. These codes are used to document the diagnosis of these conditions and their associated manifestations, complications, and stages.

Key Usage Points:

  • Always code to the highest level of specificity.
  • Use additional codes to identify any associated conditions.
  • Use a code from category A69 for Lyme disease and other conditions due to spirochetes.
  • Use a code from category A65 for nonvenereal syphilis.
  • Use a code from category A66 for yaws.

Coding Guidelines

When to Use:

  • When a patient is diagnosed with a spirochetal disease.
  • When a patient presents with symptoms consistent with a spirochetal disease.
  • When a patient is being treated for a spirochetal disease.
  • When a patient has a history of a spirochetal disease.

When NOT to Use:

  • When a patient has a spirochetal infection that is not specified in the A65-A69 range.
  • When a patient has a condition that is due to a different type of bacteria.
  • When a patient has a viral or fungal infection.
  • When a patient has a condition that is due to a non-spirochetal bacteria.

Code Exclusions

Always verify exclusions with the official ICD-10 guidelines and the patient's medical record.

Documentation Requirements

Proper documentation for spirochetal diseases should include a clear diagnosis, the stage of the disease, any associated conditions, and the patient's history of the disease.

Clinical Information:

  • Specific diagnosis
  • Stage of the disease
  • Associated conditions
  • Patient's history of the disease

Supporting Evidence:

  • Lab results
  • Clinical notes
  • Imaging results
  • Referral letters
Good Documentation Example:

Patient diagnosed with Lyme disease, confirmed by positive ELISA and Western blot tests. Patient presents with erythema migrans and joint pain.

Poor Documentation Example:

Patient has Lyme disease.

Common Documentation Errors:

  • Not documenting the stage of the disease
  • Not including associated conditions
  • Not providing supporting evidence
  • Not specifying the type of spirochetal disease

Range Statistics

5
Total Codes
32
Billable
Complexity:
Medium
Primary Use:Clinical Documentation
Chapter:1

Coding Complexity

Medium
Complexity Rating

Coding spirochetal diseases can be complex due to the need to identify the specific type and stage of the disease, code any associated conditions, and understand the exclusions.

Key Factors:
  • Determining the specific type of spirochetal disease
  • Identifying the stage of the disease
  • Coding associated conditions
  • Understanding the exclusions

Specialty Focus

Spirochetal diseases are often diagnosed and treated by infectious disease specialists, dermatologists, and general practitioners.

Primary Specialties:
Infectious Disease
50%
Dermatology
30%
General Practice
20%
Clinical Scenarios:
  • A patient presents with a bullseye rash and is diagnosed with Lyme disease.
  • A patient is diagnosed with yaws based on clinical presentation and lab results.
  • A patient with a history of syphilis presents with neurologic symptoms.
  • A patient presents with a rash and is diagnosed with pinta.

Resources & References

Resources for coding spirochetal diseases include the official ICD-10 guidelines, clinical reference materials, and educational resources.

Official Guidelines:

  • ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
  • World Health Organization ICD-10 Guidelines

Clinical References:

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Infectious Diseases Society of America

Educational Materials:

  • American Health Information Management Association
  • American Academy of Professional Coders

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I code for a patient with a history of Lyme disease?

Use code Z86.19, 'Personal history of other infectious and parasitic diseases', to document a history of Lyme disease.