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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA56.00

A56.00

Chlamydial infection of lower genitourinary tract, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A56.00 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of chlamydial infection of lower genitourinary tract, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Chlamydial infection of the lower genitourinary tract is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. This infection primarily affects the urethra in men and the cervix in women, but it can also involve the rectum and throat. Many individuals with chlamydial infections are asymptomatic, which can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms, when present, may include dysuria, increased urinary frequency, abnormal vaginal discharge, and pelvic pain. If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to serious complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, which can result in infertility, and epididymitis in men. The infection is typically transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Regular screening and prompt treatment are essential to control the spread of this infection and prevent complications. Treatment usually involves antibiotics, with azithromycin or doxycycline being the most commonly prescribed. Contact tracing is crucial to identify and treat sexual partners to prevent reinfection and further transmission.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Asymptomatic cases complicate diagnosis and coding.
  • Variability in clinical presentation can lead to misdiagnosis.
  • Need for accurate documentation of sexual history.
  • Potential for co-infection with other STIs.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms or diagnosis.
  • Failure to document treatment provided.
  • Lack of follow-up care notes.
  • Inconsistent coding of related STIs.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Gynecology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed documentation of symptoms, sexual history, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine screening in sexually active women, management of PID.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of pregnancy status and potential complications.

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Accurate recording of urinary symptoms and sexual history.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Evaluation of dysuria in males, treatment of epididymitis.

Billing Considerations

Assessment for potential co-infections with other STIs.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A56.00 When
  • According to the ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, A56
  • 00 should be used when the infection is confirmed but not specified further
  • Coders should ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation and that any related symptoms or complications are also coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A56.00 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

87491CPT Code

Chlamydia trachomatis test

Clinical Scenario

Used when testing for chlamydia in symptomatic or asymptomatic patients.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for testing and any symptoms present.

Specialty Considerations

Gynecologists and urologists should ensure proper coding based on the patient's history.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of chlamydial infections, improving the accuracy of data collection and treatment tracking. A56.00 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, which can help in identifying trends in STI prevalence.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of chlamydial infections, improving the accuracy of data collection and treatment tracking. A56.00 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, which can help in identifying trends in STI prevalence.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of chlamydial infections, improving the accuracy of data collection and treatment tracking. A56.00 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, which can help in identifying trends in STI prevalence.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Chlamydia Fact Sheet

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Chlamydia Fact Sheet

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of chlamydial infection?

Common symptoms include dysuria, abnormal discharge, and pelvic pain, but many individuals may be asymptomatic.

How is chlamydia treated?

Chlamydia is typically treated with antibiotics such as azithromycin or doxycycline.

Why is contact tracing important for chlamydia?

Contact tracing helps to identify and treat sexual partners, reducing the risk of reinfection and further transmission.