ICD-10 Code for Chronic Gonococcal Salpingitis
The ICD-10 code for chronic gonococcal salpingitis is A54.24.
Understanding Gonococcal Salpingitis
Gonococcal salpingitis is an infection of the fallopian tubes caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It represents one of the most serious complications of gonorrhea in women, potentially leading to significant morbidity including:
When gonococcal infection ascends from the cervix to the upper genital tract, it can cause acute salpingitis which may progress to a chronic form if inadequately treated 4.
ICD-10 Coding Structure
The ICD-10 coding system represents a significant expansion from ICD-9, with over 141,000 codes (a 712% increase from ICD-9's less than 20,000 codes) 5. This expansion allows for greater specificity in diagnosis coding, including:
- More detailed anatomical sites
- Chronicity specifications
- Causative organisms 5
For gonococcal infections, the ICD-10 system uses the A54 category, with specific subcodes for different manifestations and anatomical locations.
Specific Code Breakdown
The code A54.24 breaks down as follows:
- A54: Category for gonococcal infections
- A54.2: Subcategory for gonococcal pelvic inflammatory disease
- A54.24: Specific code for gonococcal salpingitis (chronic)
Clinical Implications of Coding Accuracy
Accurate coding is essential for:
- Proper documentation of disease chronicity, which affects treatment decisions 1
- Tracking epidemiological trends in gonococcal infections 6
- Ensuring appropriate reimbursement for treatment services 5
Related Codes to Consider
When coding for gonococcal salpingitis, be aware of these related codes:
- A54.23: Gonococcal pelvic inflammatory disease (acute)
- A54.29: Other gonococcal genitourinary infections
- A54.9: Gonococcal infection, unspecified
Common Coding Pitfalls to Avoid
- Failing to specify chronicity (acute vs. chronic) 3
- Not documenting the causative organism when confirmed by laboratory testing 1
- Using unspecified codes when more specific information is available 5
Documentation Requirements
To support the A54.24 code, medical records should document: