ICD-10 Code A54.42 – Gonococcal Arthritis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A54.42 – Gonococcal arthritis
What it is
A54.42 identifies arthritis caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection. Use it when the joint inflammation is documented as gonococcal or due to gonorrhea.
Clinical signs
Clinical features may include acute joint pain, swelling, warmth, and limited motion. Fever, migratory polyarthralgia, or associated tenosynovitis may be documented; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents gonococcal arthritis, septic arthritis due to gonorrhea, or joint infection linked to a confirmed gonococcal infection. It may also apply when arthritis is part of disseminated gonococcal infection and the joint involvement is specified. Check documentation if the organism is not clearly stated.
Do not use for
Do not use A54.42 for nonspecific septic arthritis, inflammatory arthritis, or joint pain without a gonococcal cause. If the record does not link the arthritis to gonorrhea, choose another code.
Coding tip
Verify that the note names gonococcal infection or gonorrhea and that the arthritis is explicitly documented before assigning A54.42.