ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA50.09

A50.09

Billable

Other early congenital syphilis, symptomatic

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A50.09 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other early congenital syphilis, symptomatic.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Congenital syphilis is a serious infection that occurs when a mother with syphilis transmits the infection to her fetus during pregnancy. The symptomatic form of early congenital syphilis, classified under A50.09, indicates that the infant exhibits clinical signs of the disease. Symptoms may include skin rashes, fever, irritability, and skeletal abnormalities. Early congenital syphilis can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly, including neurological impairment and systemic infections. Diagnosis is typically made through serological testing of the mother and clinical evaluation of the infant. Treatment involves the administration of penicillin, which is effective in eradicating the infection. Close monitoring and follow-up care are essential to ensure the infant's health and development. Contact tracing is crucial to identify and treat sexual partners of the infected mother to prevent further transmission. The management of congenital syphilis requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving pediatricians, infectious disease specialists, and public health officials.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between symptomatic and asymptomatic congenital syphilis
  • Need for accurate maternal history and serological testing results
  • Variability in clinical presentation among infants
  • Potential for co-infections with other sexually transmitted infections

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of maternal syphilis status
  • Failure to document clinical symptoms in the infant
  • Lack of follow-up care records
  • Inconsistent coding of related conditions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on infant symptoms, treatment plans, and follow-up assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Infants presenting with rashes, fever, or other signs of congenital syphilis.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate documentation of maternal history and serological results.

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive records of treatment protocols, laboratory results, and patient education.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of infants with congenital syphilis and co-infections.

Billing Considerations

Focus on the importance of contact tracing and partner notification.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A50.09 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, A50
  • 09 should be used when there is clear documentation of symptomatic congenital syphilis
  • It is important to include maternal syphilis status and any relevant laboratory findings in the medical record

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A50.09 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

86592CPT Code

Syphilis serology test

Clinical Scenario

Used to confirm maternal syphilis status during pregnancy.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for testing and results.

Specialty Considerations

Infectious disease specialists should ensure comprehensive testing.

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, improving the ability to track and manage cases effectively. A50.09 provides a clear distinction for symptomatic cases, which is essential for treatment and public health reporting.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital syphilis, improving the ability to track and manage cases effectively. A50.09 provides a clear distinction for symptomatic cases, which is essential for treatment and public health reporting.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital syphilis, improving the ability to track and manage cases effectively. A50.09 provides a clear distinction for symptomatic cases, which is essential for treatment and public health reporting.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Congenital Syphilis Fact Sheet

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Congenital Syphilis Fact Sheet

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of congenital syphilis?

Symptoms can include skin rashes, fever, irritability, and skeletal abnormalities. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications.