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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA52.04

A52.04

Syphilitic cerebral arteritis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A52.04 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of syphilitic cerebral arteritis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Syphilitic cerebral arteritis is a rare but serious complication of syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. This condition occurs when the infection leads to inflammation of the cerebral arteries, which can result in ischemic strokes or other neurological deficits. Patients may present with symptoms such as headaches, seizures, cognitive changes, and focal neurological deficits. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, serological testing for syphilis, and imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans to assess for vascular changes. Treatment primarily involves the administration of antibiotics, particularly penicillin, to eradicate the underlying syphilis infection, along with supportive care for neurological symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term complications and improve patient outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of syphilis and its complications.
  • Differentiation from other forms of arteritis.
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of neurological symptoms.
  • Potential for co-morbid conditions affecting coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of neurological symptoms.
  • Failure to link diagnosis with appropriate treatment.
  • Misclassification of the type of arteritis.
  • Lack of follow-up documentation.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed neurological examination findings, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with stroke-like symptoms or cognitive impairment.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the relationship between syphilis and neurological symptoms.

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Serological test results, treatment regimens, and follow-up care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with a history of syphilis presenting with new neurological symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Document the treatment response and any complications related to syphilis.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A52.04 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, A52
  • 04 should be used when there is clear documentation of cerebral arteritis due to syphilis
  • It is important to ensure that the diagnosis is confirmed through appropriate testing and that any related symptoms are documented

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A52.04 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99214CPT Code

Established patient office visit, level 4

Clinical Scenario

Used during follow-up visits for patients with syphilitic cerebral arteritis.

Documentation Requirements

Document history, examination, and medical decision-making.

Specialty Considerations

Neurology and Infectious Disease specialists should ensure comprehensive documentation.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like syphilitic cerebral arteritis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. It emphasizes the need for detailed documentation to support the complexity of the diagnosis.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like syphilitic cerebral arteritis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. It emphasizes the need for detailed documentation to support the complexity of the diagnosis.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. It emphasizes the need for detailed documentation to support the complexity of the diagnosis.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Syphilis Treatment Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Syphilis Treatment Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of syphilitic cerebral arteritis?

Common symptoms include headaches, seizures, cognitive changes, and focal neurological deficits such as weakness or sensory loss.

How is syphilitic cerebral arteritis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made through clinical evaluation, serological testing for syphilis, and imaging studies like MRI or CT scans to assess for vascular changes.

What is the treatment for syphilitic cerebral arteritis?

Treatment primarily involves high-dose penicillin to eradicate the syphilis infection, along with supportive care for neurological symptoms.