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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA51.39

A51.39

Other secondary syphilis of skin

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A51.39 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other secondary syphilis of skin.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Secondary syphilis is a stage of syphilis that occurs after the primary stage, characterized by systemic dissemination of the Treponema pallidum bacterium. Other secondary syphilis of skin refers to skin manifestations that do not fall under the typical presentations of secondary syphilis, such as mucous membrane lesions or generalized rash. Clinically, patients may present with various skin lesions, including papules, plaques, or other atypical rashes that can be mistaken for other dermatological conditions. The lesions are often accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever, malaise, and lymphadenopathy. Diagnosis is confirmed through serological testing, including non-treponemal tests (e.g., RPR, VDRL) and treponemal tests (e.g., FTA-ABS). Treatment typically involves benzathine penicillin G, which is effective in eradicating the infection. It is crucial for healthcare providers to conduct thorough contact tracing to identify and treat sexual partners to prevent further transmission of the infection.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation of skin lesions
  • Need for accurate serological testing interpretation
  • Differentiation from other dermatological conditions
  • Potential for co-infection with other STIs

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to document serological test results
  • Lack of detailed patient history regarding sexual partners
  • Misclassification of skin lesions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on symptoms, serological test results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with atypical skin lesions and systemic symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Ensure thorough documentation of contact tracing efforts and patient education on STI prevention.

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive descriptions of skin lesions, including size, shape, and distribution.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with skin lesions that may mimic other dermatological conditions.

Billing Considerations

Differentiation from other skin conditions is crucial for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A51.39 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, A51
  • 39 should be used when the skin manifestations of secondary syphilis do not fit into more specific categories
  • Coders must ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation and serological testing results

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A51.39 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

86592CPT Code

Syphilis serology test

Clinical Scenario

Used to confirm diagnosis of secondary syphilis.

Documentation Requirements

Document test results and clinical correlation.

Specialty Considerations

Infectious disease specialists should ensure comprehensive testing.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

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

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

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

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

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

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Syphilis Fact Sheet

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Syphilis Fact Sheet

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of secondary syphilis?

Common symptoms include a rash, fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. Skin lesions may vary in appearance.

How is secondary syphilis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made through clinical evaluation and serological testing, including both non-treponemal and treponemal tests.