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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA54.4

A54.4

Gonococcal infection of lower genitourinary tract, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A54.4 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. This infection can lead to a range of complications if left untreated, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women and epididymitis in men. Symptoms may include dysuria, increased urinary frequency, and purulent discharge. However, many individuals may be asymptomatic, particularly women, which complicates diagnosis and increases the risk of transmission. Gonococcal infections can also co-occur with other STIs, necessitating comprehensive testing and treatment. The unspecified nature of this code indicates that the specific site of infection within the lower genitourinary tract has not been documented, which can impact treatment decisions and public health reporting. Effective management includes appropriate antibiotic therapy, patient education on safe sexual practices, and contact tracing to prevent further spread of the infection.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Unspecified site of infection complicates treatment decisions.
  • Potential for co-infection with other STIs requires comprehensive coding.
  • Variability in symptoms and asymptomatic cases can lead to misdiagnosis.
  • Documentation must clearly indicate the diagnosis to avoid ambiguity.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms or site of infection.
  • Failure to document co-infections or related STIs.
  • Lack of patient education records regarding safe sexual practices.
  • Insufficient follow-up documentation for treatment efficacy.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, including sexual history and symptomatology.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Consideration of antibiotic resistance patterns in treatment.

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Urological examination findings, patient symptoms, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of urethritis and complications such as epididymitis.

Billing Considerations

Documentation of any surgical interventions or complications.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A54.4 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, A54
  • 4 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 diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation and that any related conditions are also coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A54.4 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

87491CPT Code

Nucleic acid amplification test for gonorrhea

Clinical Scenario

Used for confirming a gonococcal infection diagnosis.

Documentation Requirements

Test results must be documented in the patient's medical record.

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 greater specificity in coding STIs, including gonococcal infections. A54.4 provides a mechanism for capturing cases where the site of infection is not specified, which can help in tracking epidemiological trends and treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding STIs, including gonococcal infections. A54.4 provides a mechanism for capturing cases where the site of infection is not specified, which can help in tracking epidemiological trends and treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding STIs, including gonococcal infections. A54.4 provides a mechanism for capturing cases where the site of infection is not specified, which can help in tracking epidemiological trends and treatment outcomes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC STD Treatment Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC STD Treatment Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I document to support the use of A54.4?

Document the patient's symptoms, test results, and any treatment provided. If the site of infection is unspecified, make sure to note that in the medical record.