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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesChapter 1: Certain infectious and parasitic diseasesA50.1

A50.1

Billable

Early congenital syphilis

Chapter 1:Certain infectious and parasitic diseases

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A50.1 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of early congenital syphilis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Early congenital syphilis is a condition that occurs when a mother with syphilis transmits the infection to her fetus during pregnancy. This can happen at any stage of pregnancy, but the risk is highest during the first trimester. The clinical manifestations of early congenital syphilis can be severe and may include low birth weight, prematurity, and a variety of systemic complications. Infants may present with symptoms such as rash, hepatosplenomegaly, jaundice, and bone abnormalities. Diagnosis is typically made through serological testing of the mother and the infant, and treatment involves the administration of penicillin to both the mother and the infant. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term complications and improve outcomes for affected infants. Public health measures, including contact tracing and screening of pregnant women, are essential to reduce the incidence of congenital syphilis.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Need for accurate maternal history and serological testing results.
  • Differentiation between early and late congenital syphilis.
  • Potential for co-infection with other sexually transmitted infections.
  • Variability in clinical presentation among affected infants.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of maternal syphilis status.
  • Failure to document treatment administered to both mother and infant.
  • Lack of follow-up notes on infant health post-treatment.
  • Misclassification of early versus late congenital syphilis.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Obstetrics/Gynecology

Documentation Requirements

Complete maternal health history, including STI screening results and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Pregnant women presenting with syphilis, routine prenatal screenings.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all prenatal visits document syphilis testing and treatment adherence.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed infant examination notes, including symptoms and treatment response.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Newborns presenting with signs of congenital syphilis.

Billing Considerations

Document all follow-up visits and any additional testing performed on the infant.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A50.1 When
  • According to the official coding guidelines, A50
  • 1 should be used when there is clear documentation of early congenital syphilis, supported by maternal serological testing

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A50.1 When
  • Exclusion criteria include cases where syphilis is not confirmed or where the infant's symptoms are attributed to other conditions

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

86592CPT Code

Syphilis serology test

Clinical Scenario

Used for screening pregnant women for syphilis.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for testing and results.

Specialty Considerations

Obstetricians should ensure that testing is performed at appropriate intervals during pregnancy.

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. A50.1 provides a clear distinction between early and late manifestations, which is crucial 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. A50.1 provides a clear distinction between early and late manifestations, which is crucial 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. A50.1 provides a clear distinction between early and late manifestations, which is crucial for treatment and public health reporting.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Syphilis Fact Sheet

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Syphilis Fact Sheet

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between early and late congenital syphilis?

Early congenital syphilis occurs when the infection is transmitted during pregnancy and presents within the first two years of life, while late congenital syphilis manifests after two years and may involve more severe complications.