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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA54.39

A54.39

Other gonococcal eye infection

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A54.39 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other gonococcal eye infection.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Other gonococcal eye infections are caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which primarily affects the mucous membranes. These infections can manifest as conjunctivitis, keratitis, or other ocular complications. Gonococcal conjunctivitis is particularly concerning in neonates, as it can lead to severe complications, including corneal scarring and blindness if not treated promptly. In adults, the infection may occur due to direct contact with infected genital secretions, often during sexual activity. Symptoms typically include redness, swelling, discharge, and pain in the affected eye. Diagnosis is confirmed through culture or nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) from conjunctival swabs. Treatment involves systemic antibiotics, with ceftriaxone being the first-line therapy. It is crucial to also treat any sexual partners to prevent reinfection and further transmission. Contact tracing is essential in managing gonococcal infections, as it helps identify and treat individuals who may be asymptomatic carriers, thereby reducing the spread of the infection.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiation from other types of conjunctivitis
  • Need for accurate documentation of sexual history
  • Potential for co-infection with other STIs
  • Variability in clinical presentation

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms
  • Failure to document sexual history
  • Lack of laboratory confirmation
  • Incorrect coding of associated conditions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Ophthalmology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed ocular examination findings, including visual acuity and specific symptoms.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with conjunctivitis, especially in sexually active individuals.

Billing Considerations

Documentation should clearly indicate the causative organism and any associated systemic symptoms.

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive sexual history and details of any co-infections.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with multiple STIs or those requiring contact tracing.

Billing Considerations

Emphasis on partner notification and treatment adherence.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A54.39 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, A54
  • 39 should be used when the gonococcal eye infection is confirmed and documented
  • It is important to ensure that the infection is not due to other pathogens, which would require different coding

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A54.39 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used for follow-up visits after initial diagnosis and treatment of gonococcal eye infection.

Documentation Requirements

Document the patient's history, examination findings, and treatment plan.

Specialty Considerations

Ophthalmologists should include specific ocular findings.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of gonococcal infections, improving the accuracy of data collection and treatment tracking. A54.39 provides a clear indication of the ocular involvement, which is critical for appropriate management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of gonococcal infections, improving the accuracy of data collection and treatment tracking. A54.39 provides a clear indication of the ocular involvement, which is critical for appropriate management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Gonococcal Infection Treatment Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Gonococcal Infection Treatment Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of a gonococcal eye infection?

Common symptoms include redness, swelling, discharge, and pain in the affected eye. In neonates, it can present as conjunctivitis shortly after birth.

How is a gonococcal eye infection diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically made through clinical examination and confirmed with laboratory tests such as culture or nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT).

What is the recommended treatment for gonococcal eye infections?

The first-line treatment is usually a single dose of ceftriaxone, along with treatment for any co-existing STIs.

Why is contact tracing important in gonococcal infections?

Contact tracing helps identify and treat sexual partners, reducing the risk of reinfection and further transmission of the disease.