Neurosyphilis, unspecified is a manifestation of syphilis that affects the central nervous system. It can occur at any stage of syphilis and may present with a variety of neurological symptoms. Accurate coding with ICD-10 Code A52.3 is essential for proper diagnosis, documentation, and billing, ensuring appropriate treatment and public health reporting.
What is ICD-10 Code A52.3 for Neurosyphilis, unspecified?
ICD-10 Code A52.3 represents Neurosyphilis, unspecified, a condition where the syphilis infection has progressed to affect the nervous system. This code is used when specific neurological manifestations are not documented. It is crucial for clinical documentation and billing to ensure that patients receive appropriate care and that healthcare providers are reimbursed for their services.
ICD-10 Code A52.3 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Neurosyphilis, unspecified
Neurosyphilis is caused by the Treponema pallidum bacterium, which can invade the central nervous system. The condition may progress asymptomatically or lead to severe neurological complications, necessitating prompt medical attention.
Key Clinical Features:
- Cognitive dysfunction or changes in mental status
- Neuropathic pain or sensory disturbances
- Meningitis-like symptoms such as headache and fever
- Seizures or movement disorders
ICD-10 Code A52.3 for Neurosyphilis, unspecified – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use
In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code A52.3 is utilized to document the presence of neurosyphilis, guiding the assessment of symptoms, diagnostic findings, and treatment plans. This code is relevant in both acute and chronic care settings.
What Does ICD-10 Code A52.3 for Neurosyphilis, unspecified Mean in SOAP Notes?
ICD-10 Code A52.3 connects subjective patient-reported symptoms and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of neurosyphilis. This ensures continuity of care, supports accurate billing, and meets EHR documentation standards.
Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code A52.3 – Neurosyphilis, unspecified
Neurosyphilis requires urgent medical intervention, often necessitating hospitalization for effective management.
Antibiotic Therapy:
- Benzathine penicillin G (2.4 million units IM once weekly for 3 weeks)
- Procaine penicillin G (daily for 10-14 days)
- Ceftriaxone (2 g IV daily for 10-14 days)
Supportive Care:
- Symptomatic treatment for headache and pain
- Monitoring for neurological deficits
- Psychiatric support if cognitive impairment occurs
Infection Control:
- Standard precautions to prevent transmission
- Education on safe practices to reduce risk of syphilis spread
How to Document Symptoms of Neurosyphilis, unspecified (ICD-10 A52.3) in SOAP Notes
Subjective:
- Patient reports persistent headaches and confusion
- History of syphilis with incomplete treatment
- Complaints of visual disturbances and sensory loss
Objective:
- Neurological examination reveals altered mental status
- Positive findings on lumbar puncture indicating pleocytosis
- MRI shows signs of meningeal enhancement
Secure, compliant, and built for trust
HIPAA-compliant and designed with privacy in mind, your patient’s data is protected. Focus on care while we safeguard your information.
Learn more
SOAP Note Guidelines for Diagnosing Neurosyphilis, unspecified (ICD-10 Code A52.3)
Assessment:
- Diagnosis: Neurosyphilis, unspecified, moderate severity
- ICD-10 Code: A52.3
- Contributing factors: History of untreated syphilis
Plan:
- Initiate benzathine penicillin G treatment
- Provide education on syphilis transmission and prevention
- Schedule follow-up in 1 week to assess treatment response
Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code A52.3 – Neurosyphilis, unspecified
- First-line treatment with benzathine penicillin G
- Patient education on the importance of completing antibiotic therapy
- Regular monitoring of neurological status and treatment efficacy
- Follow-up appointments to ensure resolution of symptoms
Using ICD-10 Code A52.3 for Neurosyphilis, unspecified in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance
- Ensure accurate documentation of symptoms and history in Subjective (S) and Objective (O) sections
- Use A52.3 for billing when neurosyphilis is diagnosed or suspected
- Align treatment plans with clinical guidelines to support billing claims
- Include relevant CPT codes that correspond to the services provided
Related ICD-10 Codes Often Used with Neurosyphilis, unspecified
- A50.0 – Congenital syphilis
- A51.9 – Syphilis, unspecified
- A52.2 – Tabes dorsalis
- A52.1 – Meningovascular syphilis
ICD-10 Code A52.3 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Neurosyphilis, unspecified
ICD-10 Code A52.3 is critical in billing for hospital, ER, or infectious disease care related to neurosyphilis.
Billing Notes:
- Document all relevant clinical findings and treatment plans clearly
- Use A52.3 in settings where neurosyphilis is diagnosed or suspected
- Ensure that all chart elements support the claim for reimbursement
Common CPT Pairings:
| CPT Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 99223 | Initial hospital care, typically 70 minutes or more of total time spent on the date of the encounter |
| 96372 | Therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic injection (e.g., penicillin administration) |
| 62270 | Lumbar puncture, diagnostic |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Using ICD-10 Code A52.3 for Neurosyphilis, unspecified
What are the common symptoms of neurosyphilis?
Common symptoms include headaches, cognitive dysfunction, visual disturbances, and sensory loss. Patients may also experience seizures or changes in mental status, necessitating prompt medical evaluation.
How is neurosyphilis diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, lumbar puncture for cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and imaging studies such as MRI to identify neurological involvement.
What is the treatment for neurosyphilis?
The primary treatment for neurosyphilis is high-dose penicillin therapy, often administered intravenously. Supportive care may also be necessary to manage symptoms and monitor neurological function.
Is neurosyphilis contagious?
Neurosyphilis itself is not contagious; however, the underlying syphilis infection can be transmitted through sexual contact. Safe practices are essential to prevent the spread of syphilis.
