ICD-10 Code A50.55 | Late congenital syphilitic arthropathy Symptoms, Diagnosis, Billing

Late congenital syphilitic arthropathy is a chronic condition resulting from untreated congenital syphilis, leading to joint damage and deformities. This condition is clinically significant as it can cause long-term disability and requires accurate diagnosis and documentation for effective treatment and billing. The ICD-10 Code A50.55 facilitates precise coding for healthcare providers, ensuring proper reimbursement and aiding in public health tracking of congenital syphilis cases.

What is ICD-10 Code A50.55 for Late congenital syphilitic arthropathy?

ICD-10 Code A50.55 represents Late congenital syphilitic arthropathy, a severe complication of congenital syphilis characterized by joint inflammation and damage. This code should be used in clinical documentation when a patient presents with arthropathy linked to congenital syphilis, ensuring accurate billing and appropriate treatment planning.

ICD-10 Code A50.55 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Late congenital syphilitic arthropathy

Late congenital syphilitic arthropathy is caused by the transmission of Treponema pallidum from mother to fetus during pregnancy, leading to chronic joint issues. The condition can progress to significant morbidity if not addressed, necessitating medical intervention.

Key Clinical Features:

• Joint pain and swelling, particularly in the knees and ankles.
• Deformities such as bowing of the legs or clubfoot.
• Limited range of motion in affected joints.
• History of maternal syphilis during pregnancy.

ICD-10 Code A50.55 for Late congenital syphilitic arthropathy – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use

ICD-10 Code A50.55 is utilized in SOAP notes to document the patient's symptoms, clinical assessment, and treatment plan. It is relevant in both acute and chronic care settings, ensuring comprehensive patient management and accurate billing.

What Does ICD-10 Code A50.55 for Late congenital syphilitic arthropathy Mean in SOAP Notes?

In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code A50.55 connects subjective patient-reported symptoms and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of late congenital syphilitic arthropathy, supporting continuity of care and compliance with EHR documentation standards.

Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code A50.55 – Late congenital syphilitic arthropathy

Late congenital syphilitic arthropathy requires prompt medical attention to prevent further joint damage and disability.

Antibiotic Therapy:

• Benzathine penicillin G: 50,000 units/kg IM once weekly for 3 weeks.
• Alternative: Doxycycline: 100 mg orally twice daily for 14 days.

Supportive Care:

• Physical therapy to improve joint function.
• Pain management with NSAIDs.
• Orthopedic interventions for severe deformities.

Infection Control:

• Screening and treatment of pregnant women for syphilis.
• Education on safe practices to prevent transmission.

How to Document Symptoms of Late congenital syphilitic arthropathy (ICD-10 A50.55) in SOAP Notes

Subjective:

• Patient reports persistent joint pain, especially in the knees.
• History of maternal syphilis during pregnancy.
• Complaints of limited mobility due to joint stiffness.
• Patient expresses concern about physical deformities.

Objective:

• Swelling and tenderness noted in bilateral knee joints.
• Deformities observed in lower extremities.
• Reduced range of motion in affected joints.
• Vital signs stable; no signs of acute infection.

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SOAP Note Guidelines for Diagnosing Late congenital syphilitic arthropathy (ICD-10 Code A50.55)

Assessment:

• Diagnosis: Late congenital syphilitic arthropathy, moderate severity.
• ICD-10 Code: A50.55.
• Contributing factors: History of untreated congenital syphilis.
• Triggers: Physical activity exacerbating joint pain.

Plan:

• Initiate benzathine penicillin G treatment.
• Refer to physical therapy for joint rehabilitation.
• Educate patient on pain management strategies.
• Schedule follow-up in 4 weeks to assess treatment response.

Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code A50.55 – Late congenital syphilitic arthropathy

• First-line pharmacologic treatment: Benzathine penicillin G.
• Non-pharmacologic strategies: Physical therapy and joint exercises.
• Monitoring: Regular assessments of joint function and pain levels.
• Follow-up: Re-evaluate treatment efficacy and adjust as necessary.

Using ICD-10 Code A50.55 for Late congenital syphilitic arthropathy in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance

• Select appropriate ICD-10 code based on clinical findings.
• Document symptoms clearly under Subjective (S) and Objective (O) sections.
• Ensure treatment plans align with clinical guidelines for justified billing.
• Include relevant CPT codes that correspond with the diagnosis.

Related ICD-10 Codes Often Used with Late congenital syphilitic arthropathy

• A50.0 – Congenital syphilis, early symptomatic
• A50.1 – Congenital syphilis, late symptomatic
• A53.9 – Syphilis, unspecified
• M13.9 – Arthritis, unspecified

ICD-10 Code A50.55 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Late congenital syphilitic arthropathy

ICD-10 Code A50.55 is crucial for accurate billing in hospital, ER, or infectious disease care settings.

Billing Notes:

• Document all relevant clinical findings to support the ICD-10 claim.
• Use this code in conjunction with appropriate CPT codes for services rendered.
• Ensure that the patient's history of congenital syphilis is clearly noted in the chart.
• Review coding guidelines to confirm compliance with payer requirements.

Common CPT Pairings: