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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA54.9

A54.9

Gonococcal infection, unspecified.

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A54.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of gonococcal infection, unspecified..

Key Diagnostic Point:

Gonococcal infection, caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that primarily affects the mucous membranes of the urogenital tract, rectum, and throat. The infection can manifest in various forms, including urethritis, cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI). Symptoms may include dysuria, increased vaginal or penile discharge, and abdominal pain, although many individuals may be asymptomatic. The unspecified nature of this code indicates that the specific site of infection is not documented, which can complicate treatment and management. Gonococcal infections are often co-infected with other STIs, such as chlamydia, necessitating comprehensive screening and treatment. Effective management includes the use of appropriate antibiotics, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommending dual therapy with ceftriaxone and azithromycin. Contact tracing is crucial to prevent further transmission, as gonorrhea is highly contagious. Public health initiatives emphasize the importance of education, regular screenings, and safe sex practices to reduce the incidence of gonococcal infections.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Unspecified nature of the infection complicates treatment coding.
  • Potential for co-infection with other STIs requires careful documentation.
  • Variability in symptoms and presentation can lead to misdiagnosis.
  • Need for accurate patient history and sexual health assessment.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms or site of infection.
  • Failure to document co-infections or relevant sexual history.
  • Use of unspecified codes without justification.
  • Inconsistent treatment documentation compared to coding.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, including sexual history and symptoms.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Diagnosis of gonorrhea in symptomatic patients, asymptomatic screening in high-risk populations.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of antibiotic resistance patterns in treatment.

Obstetrics/Gynecology

Documentation Requirements

Documentation of pelvic exams, lab results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of cervicitis or PID due to gonococcal infection.

Billing Considerations

Importance of screening pregnant patients for STIs.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A54.9 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, A54
  • 9 should be used when the specific site of gonococcal infection is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that all relevant clinical information is captured to support the use of this unspecified code

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A54.9 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

87491CPT Code

Nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) for gonorrhea

Clinical Scenario

Used for diagnosing gonorrhea in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for testing and results.

Specialty Considerations

Infectious disease specialists may require additional lab results.

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 the accuracy of data collection and treatment tracking. However, the unspecified nature of A54.9 can lead to challenges in treatment planning and epidemiological tracking.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of gonococcal infections, improving the accuracy of data collection and treatment tracking. However, the unspecified nature of A54.9 can lead to challenges in treatment planning and epidemiological tracking.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of gonococcal infections, improving the accuracy of data collection and treatment tracking. However, the unspecified nature of A54.9 can lead to challenges in treatment planning and epidemiological tracking.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Gonorrhea Treatment Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Gonorrhea Treatment Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use A54.9 instead of a more specific code?

A54.9 should be used when the specific site of gonococcal infection is not documented in the medical record. If the site is known, a more specific code should be used.