ICD-10 Code A52.16 – Charcôt’s arthropathy (tabetic) (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A52.16 – Charcôt’s arthropathy (tabetic)
What it is
A52.16 identifies Charcôt’s arthropathy, a destructive joint disorder linked to tabetic neurosyphilis. Use it when documentation states the joint damage is due to tabes dorsalis or another syphilitic neurologic process.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical findings include marked joint instability, swelling, deformity, and progressive destruction with relatively little pain compared with the degree of damage.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents Charcôt’s arthropathy, tabetic arthropathy, or a neuropathic joint specifically attributed to syphilis. It is appropriate when the record links the arthropathy to tabes dorsalis or neurosyphilis. If the cause is not clearly syphilitic, check documentation before assigning A52.16.
Do not use for
Do not use A52.16 for Charcot joint from diabetes, trauma, or other neurologic causes. Do not use it for nonspecific arthropathy without a documented syphilitic cause.
Coding tip
Confirm the chart ties the joint destruction to syphilis; if the etiology is missing, code only what is documented.