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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA51.4

A51.4

Late congenital syphilitic osteochondropathy

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A51.4 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of late congenital syphilitic osteochondropathy.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Late congenital syphilitic osteochondropathy is a rare condition resulting from congenital syphilis, which occurs when a mother with syphilis transmits the infection to her fetus during pregnancy. This condition manifests as a combination of osteochondritis and skeletal deformities, often leading to significant morbidity in affected individuals. The pathophysiology involves the disruption of normal bone and cartilage development due to the inflammatory response elicited by the Treponema pallidum bacterium. Clinically, patients may present with joint pain, deformities, and limited mobility, which can severely impact their quality of life. Diagnosis is typically made through a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and serological tests for syphilis. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and may include physical therapy, orthopedic interventions, and antibiotics to address any active syphilis infection. Early detection and intervention are crucial to mitigate long-term complications associated with this condition.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires knowledge of congenital syphilis transmission and effects.
  • Differentiation from other forms of osteochondropathy.
  • Need for comprehensive patient history to establish congenital syphilis.
  • Potential for co-morbid conditions complicating the diagnosis.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of maternal syphilis history.
  • Failure to document clinical findings related to osteochondropathy.
  • Misclassification of the condition as a non-congenital form.
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on treatment outcomes.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of maternal health, prenatal care, and infant's clinical presentation.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Infants presenting with skeletal deformities or joint pain.

Billing Considerations

Need for thorough evaluation of family history and potential exposure to syphilis.

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Serological testing results, treatment plans, and follow-up care documentation.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of congenital syphilis cases and associated complications.

Billing Considerations

Understanding of syphilis transmission dynamics and treatment protocols.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A51.4 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the condition's clinical manifestations and any associated complications
  • Include relevant history of maternal syphilis and any treatments administered

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A51.4 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used for follow-up visits for management of osteochondropathy.

Documentation Requirements

Document the patient's history, examination findings, and treatment plan.

Specialty Considerations

Pediatricians should focus on growth and development assessments.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital conditions, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes for conditions like A51.4.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital conditions, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes for conditions like A51.4.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes for conditions like A51.4.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Syphilis Fact Sheet

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Syphilis Fact Sheet

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of documenting maternal syphilis history?

Documenting maternal syphilis history is crucial for establishing the diagnosis of congenital syphilitic osteochondropathy and ensuring appropriate treatment and follow-up care.