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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA57

A57

Chancroid

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A57 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of chancroid.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Chancroid is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi. It is characterized by painful ulcers on the genitalia, which can lead to significant morbidity if left untreated. The infection is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, and it is more prevalent in areas with high rates of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Clinically, chancroid presents as one or more painful ulcers, often with a necrotic base and irregular borders, accompanied by swollen lymph nodes in the groin (bubo). Diagnosis is typically made through clinical evaluation, and laboratory confirmation may involve culture or PCR testing. Treatment involves the use of antibiotics, with azithromycin or ceftriaxone being the most commonly recommended options. Effective management also includes contact tracing to prevent further transmission, as partners of infected individuals should be notified and treated to reduce the risk of reinfection. Public health measures are crucial in controlling outbreaks, particularly in high-risk populations. Overall, timely diagnosis and treatment are essential to mitigate complications associated with this infection.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation can lead to misdiagnosis.
  • Need for laboratory confirmation may complicate coding.
  • Differentiation from other STIs requires careful documentation.
  • Contact tracing and partner notification add layers to treatment documentation.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings.
  • Failure to document partner treatment and contact tracing.
  • Misclassification of the condition with other STIs.
  • Lack of laboratory confirmation in the medical record.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on symptoms, laboratory results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Diagnosis and management of STIs, including chancroid and co-infections.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the complexity of the case, including any complications or co-morbidities.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Thorough history and physical examination notes, including sexual history.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine STI screenings and management of symptomatic patients.

Billing Considerations

Document all patient interactions and partner notification efforts.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A57 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, A57 should be used when a patient is diagnosed with chancroid
  • It is important to document the clinical findings, treatment provided, and any follow
  • up care

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A57 When
  • Exclusion criteria include other specified STIs that may present similarly

Related CPT Codes

86592CPT Code

Syphilis test

Clinical Scenario

When testing for syphilis in a patient diagnosed with chancroid.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for testing and results.

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 chancroid, improving the ability to track and manage this infection. It has also emphasized the importance of detailed documentation and the need for accurate coding practices.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of chancroid, improving the ability to track and manage this infection. It has also emphasized the importance of detailed documentation and the need for accurate coding practices.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of chancroid, improving the ability to track and manage this infection. It has also emphasized the importance of detailed documentation and the need for accurate coding practices.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Chancroid Fact Sheet

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Chancroid Fact Sheet

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of chancroid?

Common symptoms include painful genital ulcers, swollen lymph nodes in the groin, and potential systemic symptoms such as fever.

How is chancroid treated?

Chancroid is typically treated with antibiotics such as azithromycin or ceftriaxone, and it is important to notify and treat sexual partners.

What is the importance of contact tracing in chancroid management?

Contact tracing is crucial to prevent the spread of the infection, as untreated partners can lead to reinfection and further transmission.