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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA54.3

A54.3

Gonococcal infection of lower genitourinary tract, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A54.3 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of gonococcal infection of lower genitourinary tract, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Gonococcal infection of the lower genitourinary tract is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that primarily affects the urethra in men and the cervix in women. Symptoms may include dysuria, increased urinary frequency, and purulent discharge. In women, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) if left untreated. The infection is often asymptomatic, particularly in women, which complicates diagnosis and increases the risk of transmission. Gonococcal infections can also co-occur with other STIs, necessitating comprehensive screening and treatment. The unspecified designation indicates that the documentation does not specify the exact site of infection within the lower genitourinary tract, which may affect treatment decisions and contact tracing efforts. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent complications and further transmission.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in symptoms and asymptomatic cases
  • Need for comprehensive STI screening
  • Potential for co-infections with other STIs
  • Documentation requirements for specifying the site of infection

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms
  • Failure to document co-infections
  • Lack of follow-up treatment documentation
  • Inconsistent coding of unspecified versus specified infections

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, including sexual history and previous STI infections.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Diagnosis and management of gonococcal infections, treatment of co-infections.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of local resistance patterns to antibiotics when prescribing treatment.

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Documentation of urinary symptoms, physical examination findings, and any diagnostic tests performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Evaluation of dysuria and discharge in male patients, management of complications such as epididymitis.

Billing Considerations

Need for clear documentation of the site of infection to guide treatment.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A54.3 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, A54
  • 3 should be used when the gonococcal infection is confirmed but the specific site of infection within the lower genitourinary tract is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and consider any additional codes for co
  • existing conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A54.3 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

87491CPT Code

Nucleic acid amplification test for gonorrhea

Clinical Scenario

Used for confirming a diagnosis of gonococcal infection.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for testing and patient consent.

Specialty Considerations

Infectious disease specialists should ensure comprehensive STI screening.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of gonococcal infections, improving data accuracy and treatment tracking. A54.3 allows for the capture of unspecified cases, which can help in understanding the epidemiology of STIs.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of gonococcal infections, improving data accuracy and treatment tracking. A54.3 allows for the capture of unspecified cases, which can help in understanding the epidemiology of STIs.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of gonococcal infections, improving data accuracy and treatment tracking. A54.3 allows for the capture of unspecified cases, which can help in understanding the epidemiology of STIs.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Gonorrhea Treatment Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Gonorrhea Treatment Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I document to support the use of A54.3?

Document the patient's symptoms, any diagnostic tests performed, and the treatment plan. If the site of infection is not specified, ensure that this is clearly noted in the medical record.