ICD-10 Code A50.55 – Late congenital syphilitic arthropathy (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A50.55 – Late congenital syphilitic arthropathy
What it is
A50.55 identifies late joint disease caused by congenital syphilis. Use it when documentation shows arthropathy resulting from syphilis acquired before birth, typically appearing later in life.
Clinical signs
Findings may include chronic joint pain, swelling, stiffness, or deformity linked to congenital syphilis. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation and any confirmed history of congenital infection.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents late congenital syphilitic arthropathy or a joint disorder attributed to congenital syphilis. It fits cases where the arthropathy is the coded diagnosis, not just a remote infection history.
If the record only notes congenital syphilis without joint involvement, choose a different code. Check documentation for explicit linkage between the arthropathy and congenital syphilis.
Do not use for
Do not use A50.55 for nonspecific arthritis, traumatic joint problems, or syphilis acquired after birth. If the cause is unclear, check documentation.
Coding tip
Code the congenital syphilitic arthropathy only when the provider clearly connects the joint disorder to congenital syphilis.