ICD-10-CM Billable Code

O98.112

Syphilis complicating pregnancy, second trimester

Clinical Classification Guidelines

Medical Intelligence & Overview

Syphilis during pregnancy is a serious infection that can pose risks to both mother and baby. When syphilis is diagnosed in the second trimester, careful medical management is critical to prevent complications. This condition involves the presence of syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, complicating a pregnancy during its second third. Understanding this condition helps ensure timely treatment and better outcomes for both mother and child.

Causes & Symptoms

Clinical Causes: Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person Transmission from mother to fetus during pregnancy Unscreened or untreated syphilis prior to conception or early pregnancy

Key Symptoms: No specific symptoms in pregnant women; may be asymptomatic Possible signs of syphilis such as sores, rashes, or flu-like symptoms in the mother Signs of fetal infection—miscarriage, stillbirth, or congenital syphilis features like skin ulcers and bone deformities

Diagnostic & Treatment

Diagnosis Path: Diagnosis involves blood tests such as non-treponemal tests (e.g., VDRL, RPR) and treponemal tests (e.g., FTA-ABS). During pregnancy, screening is usually conducted in the early stages, but if infection is suspected or confirmed during the second trimester, additional testing may be done. Ultrasound findings might suggest fetal infection or growth restrictions, prompting further evaluation. Confirming placental findings or fetal involvement through additional testing may also assist diagnosis.

Treatment Protocols: The primary treatment for syphilis during pregnancy is antibiotic therapy, with penicillin being the treatment of choice. It's essential to initiate treatment promptly to reduce the risk of transmission to the fetus and to prevent complications. Follow-up blood tests are often performed to monitor treatment effectiveness. Pregnant women with syphilis should receive specialized care, and their partners may also require evaluation and treatment to prevent reinfection.

Reimbursement claims with a date of service on or after October 1, 2015 require the use of ICD-10-CM codes.

Clinical Advice & FAQs

Billing Guidance

Is O98.112 a billable ICD-10 code?
Yes, O98.112 is a specific, billable code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

Documentation

How do I report O98.112?
Clinical documentation must specify the nature of Syphilis complicating pregnancy, second trimester and any associated comorbidities for accurate reporting.

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