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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA66.3

A66.3

Yaws of bones

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A66.3 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of yaws of bones.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Yaws is a chronic infectious disease caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum pertenue, primarily affecting the skin, bones, and cartilage. Yaws of bones specifically refers to the involvement of the skeletal system, which can lead to painful lesions, deformities, and functional impairment. The disease is endemic in tropical regions, particularly in parts of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Transmission occurs through direct skin contact with the lesions of an infected person, making it more prevalent in communities with poor sanitation and limited access to healthcare. The clinical presentation of yaws of bones may include swelling, tenderness, and pain in the affected areas, often resembling other bone infections or conditions. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by serological tests that detect antibodies against Treponema pallidum. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, with penicillin being the drug of choice. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications, including chronic bone deformities and disability.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires knowledge of specific endemic regions for accurate coding.
  • Differentiation from other treponemal infections can be challenging.
  • Documentation must specify bone involvement to justify the code.
  • Clinical presentation may overlap with other conditions, complicating diagnosis.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of clinical findings related to bone involvement.
  • Lack of serological test results in the medical record.
  • Inconsistent coding practices among providers.
  • Failure to document the endemic nature of the disease in the patient's history.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on symptoms, serological test results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Diagnosis and management of yaws in endemic populations, treatment follow-up.

Billing Considerations

Awareness of geographic prevalence and potential co-infections.

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Radiological findings, surgical notes if applicable, and detailed descriptions of bone lesions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of bone deformities resulting from yaws, surgical interventions.

Billing Considerations

Differentiating yaws from other osteomyelitis or bone conditions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A66.3 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines for infectious diseases
  • Ensure documentation supports the diagnosis of yaws with bone involvement

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A66.3 When
  • Exclude other conditions that may mimic yaws

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used for follow-up visits for yaws treatment.

Documentation Requirements

Document history, examination findings, and treatment plan.

Specialty Considerations

Infectious disease specialists should ensure thorough documentation of symptoms and treatment response.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of yaws, including bone involvement, which aids in better tracking and management of the disease in endemic areas.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of yaws, including bone involvement, which aids in better tracking and management of the disease in endemic areas.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of yaws, including bone involvement, which aids in better tracking and management of the disease in endemic areas.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    World Health Organization - Yaws

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    World Health Organization - Yaws

Frequently Asked Questions

What is yaws?

Yaws is a chronic infectious disease caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum pertenue, primarily affecting the skin, bones, and cartilage.

How is yaws transmitted?

Yaws is transmitted through direct skin contact with the lesions of an infected person, often in communities with poor sanitation.

What are the symptoms of yaws of bones?

Symptoms include painful swelling, tenderness, and deformities in the affected bones, often accompanied by skin lesions.

What is the treatment for yaws?

The treatment of choice for yaws is penicillin, which is effective in curing the infection and preventing complications.