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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesChapter 1: Certain infectious and parasitic diseasesA50.5

A50.5

Billable

Late congenital syphilis, symptomatic

Chapter 1:Certain infectious and parasitic diseases

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A50.5 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of late congenital syphilis, symptomatic.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Late congenital syphilis is a severe manifestation of syphilis that occurs in infants born to mothers who were infected with Treponema pallidum during pregnancy. This condition typically presents after the first two years of life and can lead to significant morbidity if not treated. Symptoms may include bone deformities, neurological impairment, and skin rashes. The clinical manifestations can vary widely, with some infants showing no symptoms at birth but developing issues later. Diagnosis is confirmed through serological testing and clinical evaluation. Treatment involves the administration of penicillin, which is effective in eradicating the infection. Early identification and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term complications. Contact tracing is essential to identify and treat infected individuals, thereby reducing the risk of transmission to others.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between symptomatic and asymptomatic cases
  • Understanding the timing of maternal infection during pregnancy
  • Knowledge of serological testing and interpretation
  • Awareness of the various clinical manifestations in infants

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of maternal syphilis status
  • Failure to document clinical symptoms in the infant
  • Lack of serological test results in the medical record
  • Improper coding of related conditions or complications

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on the infant's symptoms, maternal history, and treatment plan.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Infants presenting with bone deformities or neurological symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that maternal syphilis screening results are included in the documentation.

Obstetrics

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Pregnant women diagnosed with syphilis and their management.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the timing of infection and treatment during pregnancy is crucial.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A50.5 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, A50
  • 5 should be used when there is clear documentation of symptomatic late congenital syphilis
  • It is important to ensure that the symptoms are well
  • documented and that the maternal history is included

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A50.5 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

86592CPT Code

Syphilis serology test

Clinical Scenario

When testing for syphilis in pregnant women or infants.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for testing and results.

Specialty Considerations

Pediatricians should ensure maternal history is included.

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 accuracy of data collection and treatment tracking. A50.5 provides a clear distinction between symptomatic and asymptomatic cases, which is crucial for public health reporting and management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital syphilis, improving the accuracy of data collection and treatment tracking. A50.5 provides a clear distinction between symptomatic and asymptomatic cases, which is crucial for public health reporting and management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital syphilis, improving the accuracy of data collection and treatment tracking. A50.5 provides a clear distinction between symptomatic and asymptomatic cases, which is crucial for public health reporting and management.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Syphilis Fact Sheet

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Syphilis Fact Sheet

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of late congenital syphilis?

Symptoms may include bone deformities, neurological impairment, skin rashes, and developmental delays. These symptoms can appear after the first two years of life.

How is late congenital syphilis treated?

Treatment typically involves the administration of penicillin, which is effective in eradicating the infection and preventing complications.

What is the importance of contact tracing in congenital syphilis?

Contact tracing is essential to identify and treat infected individuals, thereby reducing the risk of transmission to others and preventing further cases of congenital syphilis.