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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA52.79

A52.79

Other symptomatic late syphilis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A52.79 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other symptomatic late syphilis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Other symptomatic late syphilis refers to the late stage of syphilis infection characterized by various systemic manifestations that do not fall under the more specific categories of late syphilis. This stage can present with a range of symptoms including neurological, cardiovascular, and gummatous lesions. Patients may experience complications such as tabes dorsalis, general paresis, or cardiovascular syphilis, which can lead to significant morbidity if left untreated. The diagnosis is typically made through serological testing, including non-treponemal tests (e.g., RPR, VDRL) and treponemal tests (e.g., FTA-ABS). Treatment usually involves the administration of benzathine penicillin G, with the dosage and duration depending on the severity and manifestations of the disease. Contact tracing is crucial in managing syphilis, as it is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can be easily transmitted to sexual partners. Effective management requires a comprehensive approach that includes education on safe sex practices and regular screening for STIs.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of symptoms that can present in late syphilis.
  • Need for accurate serological testing interpretation.
  • Differentiation from other STIs with similar presentations.
  • Documentation of patient history and sexual contacts.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms.
  • Failure to document serological test results.
  • Lack of detailed patient history.
  • Improper coding of related conditions.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, including sexual history and previous STI treatments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with neurological symptoms or cardiovascular issues related to syphilis.

Billing Considerations

Ensure all serological tests are documented and interpreted correctly.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive documentation of symptoms, risk factors, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine screening of at-risk populations and management of syphilis cases.

Billing Considerations

Education on safe sex practices and contact tracing must be documented.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A52.79 When
  • According to the ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, A52
  • 79 should be used when the patient presents with symptoms of late syphilis that do not fit into more specific categories
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that all relevant symptoms and test results are included

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A52.79 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

86592CPT Code

Syphilis serology test

Clinical Scenario

Used for screening and diagnosis of syphilis.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for testing and results.

Specialty Considerations

Infectious disease specialists may require additional tests.

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, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. A52.79 provides a distinct code for symptomatic late syphilis, which aids in tracking and managing this public health concern more effectively.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of syphilis-related conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. A52.79 provides a distinct code for symptomatic late syphilis, which aids in tracking and managing this public health concern more effectively.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of syphilis-related conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. A52.79 provides a distinct code for symptomatic late syphilis, which aids in tracking and managing this public health concern more effectively.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Syphilis Treatment Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Syphilis Treatment Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of late syphilis?

Common symptoms include neurological issues, cardiovascular problems, and gummatous lesions. Patients may also experience cognitive decline or other systemic manifestations.