ICD-10 Code A52.15 | Late syphilitic neuropathy Symptoms, Diagnosis, Billing

Late syphilitic neuropathy is a neurological complication arising from untreated or inadequately treated syphilis, specifically in its late stages. This condition is characterized by damage to the peripheral nerves, leading to symptoms such as pain, weakness, and sensory disturbances. Accurate coding with ICD-10 Code A52.15 is essential for proper diagnosis, documentation, medical billing, and public health reporting, ensuring that healthcare providers can effectively track and manage this serious complication.

What is ICD-10 Code A52.15 for Late syphilitic neuropathy?

ICD-10 Code A52.15 represents Late syphilitic neuropathy, a condition that occurs as a result of the progression of syphilis, particularly in its tertiary stage. This code should be used when documenting cases where patients exhibit neurological symptoms related to syphilis, ensuring accurate billing and clinical documentation for appropriate treatment and management of the condition.

ICD-10 Code A52.15 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Late syphilitic neuropathy

Late syphilitic neuropathy is caused by the neurotoxic effects of Treponema pallidum, the bacterium responsible for syphilis. As the disease progresses, it can lead to significant neurological impairment, necessitating prompt medical attention to prevent further complications.

Key Clinical Features:

• Peripheral nerve damage leading to sensory and motor deficits.
• Symptoms may include pain, numbness, and weakness in extremities.
• Potential for progressive neurological deterioration if untreated.
• Associated with other late-stage syphilis manifestations.

ICD-10 Code A52.15 for Late syphilitic neuropathy – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use

ICD-10 Code A52.15 is utilized in SOAP notes to document the presence of late syphilitic neuropathy, aiding in the assessment of symptoms, clinical findings, and treatment plans. This code is relevant in both acute and chronic care settings, ensuring comprehensive patient management.

What Does ICD-10 Code A52.15 for Late syphilitic neuropathy Mean in SOAP Notes?

In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code A52.15 connects subjective patient-reported symptoms with objective clinical findings, facilitating a formal diagnosis. This code is crucial for ensuring continuity of care, supporting accurate billing, and meeting EHR documentation standards.

Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code A52.15 – Late syphilitic neuropathy

Late syphilitic neuropathy requires immediate medical intervention to prevent further neurological damage. Treatment typically involves antibiotic therapy and supportive care.

Antibiotic Therapy:

• Benzathine penicillin G: 2.4 million units IM once.
• Alternative: Doxycycline 100 mg orally twice daily for 14 days.

Supportive Care:

• Pain management with analgesics.
• Physical therapy to improve mobility and strength.
• Regular monitoring for neurological changes.

Infection Control:

• Standard precautions to prevent transmission.
• Patient education on safe practices to avoid reinfection.

How to Document Symptoms of Late syphilitic neuropathy (ICD-10 A52.15) in SOAP Notes

Subjective:

• Patient reports numbness and tingling in hands and feet.
• History of untreated syphilis with recent neurological symptoms.
• Complaints of weakness and difficulty walking.

Objective:

• Neurological examination reveals decreased sensation in extremities.
• Muscle strength testing shows weakness in lower limbs.
• Reflexes are diminished in affected areas.

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SOAP Note Guidelines for Diagnosing Late syphilitic neuropathy (ICD-10 Code A52.15)

Assessment:

• Diagnosis: Late syphilitic neuropathy, moderate severity.
• ICD-10 Code: A52.15.
• Contributing factors: History of untreated syphilis.

Plan:

• Initiate benzathine penicillin G treatment.
• Refer to physical therapy for rehabilitation.
• Schedule follow-up in 4 weeks to reassess neurological status.

Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code A52.15 – Late syphilitic neuropathy

• First-line treatment with benzathine penicillin G.
• Consider adjunctive therapies for pain management.
• Monitor neurological status and adjust treatment as necessary.
• Educate patient on the importance of follow-up care.

Using ICD-10 Code A52.15 for Late syphilitic neuropathy in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance

• Ensure accurate documentation of symptoms and history in SOAP notes.
• Use A52.15 for billing related to neurological assessments and treatments.
• Align treatment plans with clinical guidelines to support justified billing.
• Document any comorbidities or complications that may affect treatment.

Related ICD-10 Codes Often Used with Late syphilitic neuropathy

• A52.14 – Late syphilitic myelopathy
• A52.13 – Late syphilitic encephalopathy
• A53.9 – Syphilis, unspecified
• A52.19 – Other late syphilis

ICD-10 Code A52.15 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Late syphilitic neuropathy

ICD-10 Code A52.15 is critical in medical billing, particularly in hospital, emergency room, or infectious disease care settings.

Billing Notes:

• Document all relevant patient history and symptoms to support the claim.
• Use A52.15 in conjunction with other codes for comprehensive billing.
• Ensure that treatment plans are clearly outlined in the medical record.

Common CPT Pairings: