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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA51.2

A51.2

Early congenital syphilis, symptomatic

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 A51.2 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of early congenital syphilis, symptomatic.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Early congenital syphilis is a condition that occurs when a mother with syphilis transmits the infection to her fetus during pregnancy. This can lead to a range of symptoms in the newborn, including but not limited to skin rashes, fever, irritability, and skeletal abnormalities. Symptoms may appear at birth or within the first few weeks of life. The condition is classified as symptomatic when the infant exhibits clinical manifestations of the disease. Early congenital syphilis can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly, including developmental delays, hearing loss, and dental deformities. Diagnosis is typically made through clinical evaluation and serological testing, including the detection of Treponema pallidum antibodies. Treatment involves the administration of penicillin, which is effective in eradicating the infection. Close monitoring and follow-up care are essential to ensure the infant's health and development.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between symptomatic and asymptomatic congenital syphilis
  • Need for accurate maternal history and serological testing results
  • Potential for co-infection with other sexually transmitted infections
  • Variability in clinical presentation among affected infants

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of maternal syphilis status
  • Failure to document specific symptoms in the infant
  • Incorrect coding of related conditions or complications
  • Lack of follow-up documentation post-treatment

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on infant symptoms, maternal history, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Infants presenting with rashes, fever, or other signs of infection shortly after birth.

Billing Considerations

Pediatricians must ensure that all symptoms are documented and that follow-up care is scheduled.

Obstetrics

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive prenatal records including syphilis screening results and treatment history.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Pregnant women diagnosed with syphilis and their management during pregnancy.

Billing Considerations

Obstetricians should document the timing of treatment and any potential complications during pregnancy.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A51.2 When
  • According to the official coding guidelines, A51
  • 2 should be used when there is clear documentation of symptomatic congenital syphilis
  • It is important to include maternal syphilis status and any relevant laboratory results in the documentation

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A51.2 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

86592CPT Code

Syphilis serology test

Clinical Scenario

Used to confirm diagnosis of congenital syphilis in symptomatic infants.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for testing and results.

Specialty Considerations

Pediatricians should ensure that maternal history is included.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital syphilis cases, improving the accuracy of data collection and treatment tracking.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital syphilis cases, improving the accuracy of data collection and treatment tracking.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital syphilis cases, improving the accuracy of data collection and treatment tracking.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Syphilis Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Syphilis Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of early congenital syphilis?

Common symptoms include skin rashes, fever, irritability, and skeletal abnormalities. Symptoms can vary widely among affected infants.