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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA52.72

A52.72

Syphilis of lung and bronchus

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A52.72 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of syphilis of lung and bronchus.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Syphilis of the lung and bronchus is a rare manifestation of tertiary syphilis, which occurs when the Treponema pallidum bacterium, responsible for syphilis, disseminates throughout the body. This condition typically arises in individuals with untreated or inadequately treated syphilis, leading to systemic complications. Pulmonary syphilis can present with a variety of respiratory symptoms, including cough, hemoptysis, and chest pain, and may mimic other pulmonary diseases such as tuberculosis or lung cancer. Diagnosis is often confirmed through serological testing for syphilis, including non-treponemal tests (e.g., RPR, VDRL) and treponemal tests (e.g., FTA-ABS). Treatment involves the administration of appropriate antibiotics, primarily penicillin, which is effective in eradicating the infection. Due to the potential for severe complications, including respiratory failure, early detection and treatment are crucial. Contact tracing is essential to prevent further transmission, as syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can be spread through sexual contact. Public health measures should be implemented to identify and treat sexual partners of affected individuals.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Rarity of the condition, making it less familiar to coders.
  • Need for accurate documentation of syphilis stages and pulmonary involvement.
  • Potential overlap with other respiratory conditions requiring careful differentiation.
  • Variability in clinical presentation and diagnostic criteria.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the patient's history of syphilis.
  • Failure to document the clinical rationale for the diagnosis.
  • Lack of evidence for contact tracing efforts.
  • Misclassification of pulmonary symptoms as unrelated conditions.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, including sexual history and previous syphilis treatment.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with respiratory symptoms and a history of syphilis.

Billing Considerations

Ensure thorough documentation of serological test results and treatment plans.

Pulmonology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive pulmonary evaluation and documentation of respiratory symptoms.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with unexplained respiratory symptoms and a history of STIs.

Billing Considerations

Differentiation from other pulmonary conditions is critical for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A52.72 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the syphilis stage and associated pulmonary symptoms
  • Include relevant serological test results and treatment plans in the medical record

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A52.72 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

86592CPT Code

Syphilis serology test

Clinical Scenario

Used to confirm syphilis diagnosis in patients with respiratory symptoms.

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 syphilis-related conditions, including pulmonary involvement, which aids in better tracking and management of this rare complication.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of syphilis-related conditions, including pulmonary involvement, which aids in better tracking and management of this rare complication.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of syphilis-related conditions, including pulmonary involvement, which aids in better tracking and management of this rare complication.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Syphilis Treatment Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Syphilis Treatment Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of pulmonary syphilis?

Common symptoms include cough, hemoptysis, chest pain, and respiratory distress. These symptoms may mimic other pulmonary conditions, making accurate diagnosis essential.