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ICD-10 Coding for Gonorrhea(A54.00, A54.02)

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

Also known as:

Gonococcal infectionGC infection

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Gonorrhea

A54Primary Range

Gonococcal infections

This range includes all gonococcal infections, covering various anatomical sites and complications.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
A54.00Gonococcal infection of lower genitourinary tract, unspecifiedUse when the specific site of the lower genitourinary tract is not documented.
  • Confirmed by NAAT or culture
  • Presence of symptoms such as dysuria or discharge
A54.02Gonococcal vulvovaginitis, unspecifiedUse when gonococcal infection is confirmed in the vulva or vagina.
  • Confirmed by NAAT or culture
  • Symptoms such as vaginal discharge or irritation

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 gonorrhea

Essential facts and insights about Gonorrhea

The ICD-10 code for unspecified gonococcal infection of the lower genitourinary tract is A54.00.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for gonorrhea

Gonococcal infection of lower genitourinary tract, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed gonococcal infection via laboratory testing

Applicable To

  • Unspecified gonococcal infection of the lower genitourinary tract

Excludes

  • Gonococcal infection of other sites

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Confirmed by NAAT or culture
  • Presence of symptoms such as dysuria or discharge

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of under-documentation if specific site is not identified

Coding Notes

  • Ensure confirmation of diagnosis through laboratory testing before coding.

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 asymptomatic screening in high-risk populations.

High-risk sexual behavior

Z72.5
Use when documenting risk factors associated with gonococcal infection.

Differential Codes

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

Gonococcal infection of lower genitourinary tract, site unspecified

A54.01
Use when specific site is documented but not specified in the code.

Acute vaginitis

N76.0
Use when inflammation is documented but not confirmed as gonococcal.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Gonorrhea to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code A54.00.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Specify the organism in documentation., Use precise terminology like 'Neisseria gonorrhoeae identified'.

Impact

Reimbursement: Claims may be denied if not confirmed., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data reporting and analysis.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure diagnosis is confirmed by NAAT or culture before coding.

Impact

High query rate for unspecified site codes.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure 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 Gonorrhea, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Gonorrhea

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

Confirmed gonococcal infection with symptoms

Specialty: Infectious Disease

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Symptoms
  • Lab results
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with dysuria and discharge. NAAT confirms gonorrhea. Treated with ceftriaxone and azithromycin.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has GC. Treated with antibiotics.
Good Documentation Example
Patient presents with dysuria and discharge. NAAT confirms Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Treated with ceftriaxone 500mg IM and azithromycin 1g PO.
Explanation
The good example provides specific symptoms, lab confirmation, and detailed treatment plan.

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

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