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 CodesA50.59

A50.59

Billable

Other late congenital syphilis, symptomatic

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A50.59 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other late congenital syphilis, symptomatic.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Late congenital syphilis refers to the manifestation of syphilis in infants and children who were infected in utero. This condition can present with a variety of symptoms, including but not limited to bone deformities, skin rashes, and neurological issues. The symptoms may not appear until later in childhood, which complicates diagnosis and treatment. Congenital syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, which can cross the placental barrier during pregnancy. Late congenital syphilis can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly, including developmental delays, hearing loss, and dental abnormalities. The diagnosis is typically made through serological testing and clinical evaluation. Treatment usually involves the administration of penicillin, which is effective in eradicating the infection. It is crucial for healthcare providers to conduct thorough contact tracing to identify and treat any sexual partners of the mother to prevent further transmission. The management of late congenital syphilis requires a multidisciplinary approach, including pediatricians, infectious disease specialists, and public health officials to ensure comprehensive care and follow-up.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation of symptoms
  • Need for thorough maternal history and serological testing
  • Potential for co-infections with other STIs
  • Complexity in documenting late-onset symptoms

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of maternal syphilis status
  • Failure to document serological test results
  • Lack of detailed clinical notes on symptoms
  • Improper coding of related conditions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on symptoms, family history, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Infants presenting with bone deformities or neurological symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Ensure thorough documentation of maternal health and any treatments administered.

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive records of serological testing and treatment protocols.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of congenital syphilis cases with co-infections.

Billing Considerations

Focus on contact tracing and partner notification protocols.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A50.59 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, A50
  • 59 should be used when the patient presents with symptoms of late congenital syphilis that do not fall under other specified categories
  • It is essential to document the clinical findings and any relevant maternal history

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A50.59 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

86592CPT Code

Syphilis serology test

Clinical Scenario

Used to confirm diagnosis of congenital syphilis.

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 cases, improving the accuracy of data collection and treatment tracking.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

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

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

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

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Syphilis Fact Sheet

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Syphilis Fact Sheet

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of late congenital syphilis?

Common symptoms include bone deformities, skin rashes, neurological issues, and developmental delays.

How is late congenital syphilis treated?

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

What is the importance of contact tracing in congenital syphilis?

Contact tracing is crucial to identify and treat sexual partners of the mother to prevent further transmission of syphilis.