Other diseases caused by chlamydiae
ICD-10 Codes (10)
A71
A71.0
A71.1
A71.9
A74
A74.0
A74.8
A74.81
A74.89
A74.9
Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
New Codes (2)
Revised Codes (2)
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 A70-A74 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
The ICD-10 code range A70-A74 represents 'Other diseases caused by chlamydiae.' This range includes codes for various conditions caused by different species of chlamydiae, such as Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydia pneumoniae. These codes are used to document conditions like trachoma, inclusion conjunctivitis, lymphogranuloma venereum, and other chlamydial diseases.
Key Usage Points:
- •A70-A74 codes are used for conditions caused by chlamydiae, not for the presence of chlamydiae itself.
- •Specificity is crucial; use the most specific code that accurately represents the patient's condition.
- •Consider the patient's history and clinical findings when selecting the appropriate code.
- •Use additional codes to identify any associated conditions or manifestations.
- •Remember to code recurrent episodes if applicable.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient has a confirmed diagnosis of a disease caused by chlamydiae.
- ✓When a patient presents with symptoms and clinical findings consistent with a chlamydial disease.
- ✓When a patient has a history of a chlamydial disease that affects current care.
- ✓When a patient has complications or manifestations associated with a chlamydial disease.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When a patient has a positive chlamydia test but no symptoms or disease.
- ✗When a patient has a disease typically associated with chlamydia but caused by another organism.
- ✗When a patient has a condition that is not caused by chlamydiae.
- ✗When a patient has a history of chlamydial disease that does not affect current care.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions in the latest version of the ICD-10-CM guidelines.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation for A70-A74 codes should be comprehensive, including the specific chlamydial disease, any associated conditions or manifestations, and the patient's clinical history and findings.
Clinical Information:
- •Specific chlamydial disease
- •Patient's symptoms and clinical findings
- •Results of diagnostic tests
- •Patient's history of chlamydial diseases
- •Any associated conditions or manifestations
Supporting Evidence:
- •Lab reports confirming chlamydia
- •Clinical notes detailing patient's symptoms and findings
- •Imaging reports if applicable
- •Notes on patient's medical history
Good Documentation Example:
Patient presents with painful, swollen lymph nodes in the groin. Lab tests confirm Chlamydia trachomatis. Diagnosis: Lymphogranuloma venereum (A55).
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has chlamydia.
Common Documentation Errors:
- ⚠Not specifying the chlamydial disease
- ⚠Not documenting associated conditions or manifestations
- ⚠Not including patient's clinical history and findings
- ⚠Using a code for chlamydia presence instead of a chlamydial disease
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
The complexity of A70-A74 codes is medium due to the need to identify the specific chlamydial disease, code any associated conditions or manifestations, and determine the impact on current care. Additionally, coding recurrent episodes can add complexity.
Key Factors:
- ▸Identifying the specific chlamydial disease
- ▸Coding associated conditions or manifestations
- ▸Determining whether the disease affects current care
- ▸Coding recurrent episodes
Specialty Focus
A70-A74 codes are most commonly used in infectious disease, ophthalmology, and gynecology.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient with a history of unprotected sexual encounters presents with painful, swollen lymph nodes in the groin.
- • A patient with a history of trachoma presents with recurrent eye infections.
- • A pregnant woman tests positive for Chlamydia trachomatis during routine screening.
Resources & References
Resources for A70-A74 codes include the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines, clinical reference materials, and educational resources.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- CDC's Chlamydial Infections Guidelines
- WHO's Trachoma Guidelines
Clinical References:
- CDC's Chlamydial Infections Fact Sheet
- WHO's Trachoma Fact Sheet
Educational Materials:
- AAPC's ICD-10-CM Code Set Training
- AHIMA's ICD-10-CM Coding Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an A70-A74 code if the patient has a positive chlamydia test but no symptoms or disease?
No, A70-A74 codes are for diseases caused by chlamydiae, not for the presence of chlamydiae itself. Use Z11.8 for asymptomatic individuals with a positive screening test.