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ICD-10 Coding for Chlamydia Infection(A56.0, A56.8)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Chlamydia Infection. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Chlamydial InfectionChlamydia Trachomatis Infection

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Chlamydia Infection

A56-A56.8Primary Range

Chlamydial infections

This range includes specific codes for chlamydial infections affecting different anatomical sites.

Encounter for screening for infectious and parasitic diseases

Used for screening encounters, especially in asymptomatic patients.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
A56.0Chlamydial infection of lower genitourinary tractUse when documentation specifies lower genitourinary tract involvement with lab confirmation.
  • NAAT or PCR confirmation of C. trachomatis
A56.8Sexually transmitted chlamydial infection of other sitesUse when documentation specifies extragenital involvement with lab confirmation.
  • NAAT or PCR confirmation of C. trachomatis at non-genitourinary sites

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for chlamydia infection

Essential facts and insights about Chlamydia Infection

The ICD-10 code for chlamydia infection of the lower genitourinary tract is A56.0, while A56.8 is used for sexually transmitted chlamydial infection of other sites.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for chlamydia infection

Chlamydial infection of lower genitourinary tract
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of symptoms like dysuria or discharge with lab confirmation

Applicable To

  • Mucopurulent cervicitis
  • Urethritis

Excludes

  • Chlamydial infection of other sites

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • NAAT or PCR confirmation of C. trachomatis

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misuse without lab confirmation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure lab confirmation is documented.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Encounter for screening for infections with a predominantly sexual mode of transmission

Z11.3
Use for screening encounters in asymptomatic patients.

High-risk sexual behavior

Z72.51
Use to indicate high-risk sexual behavior in conjunction with screening codes.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Gonococcal infection of lower genitourinary tract

A54.00
Requires documentation of Gram stain results showing intracellular diplococci.

Gonococcal infection of other sites

A54.5
Requires documentation of Gram stain results showing intracellular diplococci.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Chlamydia Infection to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code A56.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates that prompt for site-specific documentation., Educate staff on the importance of detailed documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to denied claims due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of health data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies the anatomical site of infection.

Impact

Using codes like A74.9 without specific site documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation specifies the anatomical site of infection.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Chlamydia Infection, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Chlamydia Infection

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Chlamydia Infection. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Chlamydia screening in asymptomatic patient

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • Patient demographics
  • Reason for screening
  • Sexual history
  • Lab test type and results

Example Documentation

Patient is a 25-year-old female requesting STI screening due to a new sexual partner. NAAT test ordered.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
STI check.
Good Documentation Example
Asymptomatic screening per USPSTF guidelines in sexually active 19yo female with 2 partners in last year.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the screening context and patient history.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Chlamydia Infection? Ask your questions below.

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