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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA50.05

A50.05

Billable

Early congenital syphilitic rhinitis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A50.05 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of early congenital syphilitic rhinitis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Early congenital syphilitic rhinitis is a manifestation of congenital syphilis, which occurs when a mother with syphilis transmits the infection to her fetus during pregnancy. This condition is characterized by nasal discharge, often described as a 'snuffles' appearance, and can lead to significant complications if not treated promptly. The rhinitis is typically accompanied by other signs of congenital syphilis, such as skin rashes, bone abnormalities, and systemic involvement. The clinical presentation may vary, but early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term sequelae. Diagnosis is often confirmed through serological testing for syphilis in both the mother and the infant, and treatment usually involves the administration of penicillin. Early intervention is essential to mitigate the risk of further complications, including neurological damage and developmental delays.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires knowledge of congenital syphilis transmission and effects.
  • Differentiation from other forms of rhinitis.
  • Need for accurate maternal history and serological testing.
  • Potential for co-morbid conditions complicating diagnosis.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of maternal syphilis status.
  • Failure to document clinical findings related to rhinitis.
  • Misclassification of the condition as a non-congenital form of syphilis.
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on treatment efficacy.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on infant examination, maternal history, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Infants presenting with nasal discharge and other signs of congenital syphilis.

Billing Considerations

Awareness of the need for follow-up care and monitoring for developmental issues.

Obstetrics

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive prenatal records, including syphilis screening results and treatment history.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Pregnant women diagnosed with syphilis and their management during pregnancy.

Billing Considerations

Importance of timely treatment to prevent transmission to the fetus.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A50.05 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, A50
  • 05 should be used when the infant presents with early signs of congenital syphilitic rhinitis
  • It is essential to document the maternal syphilis status and any relevant clinical findings
  • syphilitic causes

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A50.05 When
  • Exclusion criteria include cases where the rhinitis is attributed to non

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

86592CPT Code

Syphilis test, non-treponemal

Clinical Scenario

Used for screening pregnant women for syphilis.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for testing and results.

Specialty Considerations

Obstetricians should ensure comprehensive prenatal care includes syphilis screening.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital syphilis conditions, improving the accuracy of data collection and treatment tracking for affected infants.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital syphilis conditions, improving the accuracy of data collection and treatment tracking for affected infants.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital syphilis conditions, improving the accuracy of data collection and treatment tracking for affected infants.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Congenital Syphilis Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Congenital Syphilis Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of early congenital syphilitic rhinitis?

Common symptoms include nasal discharge, often described as 'snuffles', along with potential skin rashes and other signs of congenital syphilis.

How is congenital syphilis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically made through maternal history, clinical examination of the infant, and serological testing for syphilis.

What is the treatment for early congenital syphilitic rhinitis?

The primary treatment is the administration of penicillin, which is effective in treating syphilis in infants.