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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA50.39

A50.39

Billable

Other late congenital syphilitic oculopathy

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A50.39 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other late congenital syphilitic oculopathy.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A50.39 refers to other forms of late congenital syphilitic oculopathy, which is a manifestation of congenital syphilis that affects the eyes. Congenital syphilis occurs when a mother with syphilis transmits the infection to her fetus during pregnancy. Late congenital syphilitic oculopathy can lead to various ocular complications, including chorioretinitis, optic nerve damage, and other visual impairments. These conditions may not present until later in childhood or adulthood, making early diagnosis challenging. Symptoms can include visual disturbances, strabismus, and other ocular anomalies. The management of congenital syphilitic oculopathy involves a multidisciplinary approach, including pediatricians, ophthalmologists, and infectious disease specialists. Treatment typically includes antibiotic therapy, primarily with penicillin, to eradicate the underlying syphilis infection, along with supportive care for any ocular manifestations. Regular follow-up is essential to monitor visual development and manage any complications that arise.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires knowledge of congenital syphilis transmission and effects.
  • Differentiation from other forms of syphilitic oculopathy.
  • Documentation of maternal syphilis status and treatment history.
  • Need for comprehensive ocular examination findings.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of maternal syphilis status.
  • Failure to document specific ocular findings.
  • Misclassification of the type of oculopathy.
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for treatment outcomes.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed maternal history, including syphilis screening results and treatment.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Infants presenting with visual disturbances or strabismus.

Billing Considerations

Need for collaboration with ophthalmology for accurate diagnosis.

Ophthalmology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive ocular examination findings, including visual acuity and structural anomalies.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Children with suspected congenital syphilitic oculopathy requiring detailed eye assessments.

Billing Considerations

Documentation of visual prognosis and treatment plans.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A50.39 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, A50
  • 39 should be used when the specific type of late congenital syphilitic oculopathy is documented
  • It is important to ensure that the diagnosis is confirmed through clinical findings and maternal history

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A50.39 When
  • Exclusion criteria include cases where syphilitic oculopathy is not congenital or where the ocular condition is due to other causes

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

92014CPT Code

Ophthalmological examination, comprehensive, established patient

Clinical Scenario

Used for follow-up examinations of children with congenital syphilitic oculopathy.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed ocular examination findings and visual acuity measurements.

Specialty Considerations

Ophthalmologists should document any changes in ocular health.

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 and its complications, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. A50.39 provides a distinct code for late congenital syphilitic oculopathy, which was less clearly defined in ICD-9.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital syphilis and its complications, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. A50.39 provides a distinct code for late congenital syphilitic oculopathy, which was less clearly defined in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. A50.39 provides a distinct code for late congenital syphilitic oculopathy, which was less clearly defined in ICD-9.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Congenital Syphilis Fact Sheet

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Congenital Syphilis Fact Sheet

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of coding A50.39?

Coding A50.39 is crucial for accurately capturing cases of congenital syphilitic oculopathy, which can have significant implications for patient management and public health tracking of congenital syphilis.