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ICD-10 Coding for History of Syphilis(Z86.13)

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

Also known as:

Past Syphilis InfectionResolved SyphilisTreated Syphilis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to History of Syphilis

Z86.1-Z86.19Primary Range

Personal history of certain other diseases

This range includes codes for personal history of infectious diseases, including syphilis.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for history of syphilis

Essential facts and insights about History of Syphilis

The ICD-10 code for a history of syphilis is Z86.13, used for past, resolved infections.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for history of syphilis

Personal history of syphilis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient has no current symptoms and has completed treatment for syphilis.

documentation Criteria

  • Medical record includes treatment history and serologic test results.

Applicable To

  • Resolved syphilis
  • Treated syphilis with no current infection

Excludes

  • Current syphilis infection (A50-A53)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documentation of completed treatment for syphilis
  • Non-reactive or stable low titer serologic tests
  • Absence of symptoms or clinical findings of active syphilis

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as active syphilis if documentation is unclear
  • Potential audit if supporting documentation is insufficient

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation clearly states the syphilis is historical and resolved.

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 alongside Z86.13 when the encounter is for STI screening due to a history of syphilis.

Differential Codes

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

Unspecified syphilis

A53.9
Use A53.9 for active syphilis cases where the stage is unspecified, not for historical cases.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting History of Syphilis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z86.13.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment or follow-up., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for incorrect billing and reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies 'history of' when applicable, Include treatment and serologic history in the record

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding could lead to overpayment or audit issues., Compliance: Misclassification as an active infection could result in non-compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on patient history and current health status.

Mitigation Strategy

Use Z86.13 for resolved syphilis cases with no current infection.

Impact

Coding historical syphilis as active can lead to audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation clearly states the syphilis is historical and resolved.

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 History of Syphilis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for History of Syphilis

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

Routine follow-up for a patient with a history of syphilis

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • Initial diagnosis date
  • Treatment regimen and completion
  • Current serologic status
  • Absence of symptoms

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has syphilis.
Good Documentation Example
Patient has a history of syphilis treated in 2018 with penicillin. Current RPR is non-reactive. No symptoms present.
Explanation
The good example specifies the history and treatment, avoiding misclassification as an active case.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for History of Syphilis? Ask your questions below.

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