ICD-10 Code A50.41 – Late congenital syphilitic meningitis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A50.41 – Late congenital syphilitic meningitis
What it is
This code identifies meningitis due to late congenital syphilis, meaning inflammation of the meninges in a person infected before birth. Use it when the record documents this specific late manifestation.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Findings may include neurologic symptoms consistent with meningitis, and the diagnosis should be supported by evidence of congenital syphilis with late central nervous system involvement.
When to use this code
Use A50.41 when the provider documents late congenital syphilitic meningitis, including cases described as congenital syphilis with meningitis. Code it from the diagnosis statement, problem list, or discharge summary when the condition is active or being evaluated.
Do not assume the condition from a history of congenital syphilis alone. If the note only says meningitis without linking it to congenital syphilis, check documentation before assigning this code.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for acquired syphilis, unspecified meningitis, or other congenital syphilis manifestations without meningitis. Check documentation if the record does not clearly connect meningitis to late congenital syphilis.
Coding tip
Link the meningitis to congenital syphilis explicitly in the provider’s wording before assigning A50.41.