Syphilis of kidney and ureter

This code signifies renal and/or ureteral involvement due to syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Syphilitic nephropathy can manifest as various forms of kidney disease, including glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, or interstitial nephritis.

Assign this code when documentation explicitly states a diagnosis of syphilis affecting the kidneys or ureters. This typically occurs in the secondary or tertiary stages of syphilis. Supporting documentation should include serological evidence of syphilis and findings indicative of renal or ureteral pathology attributed to the infection.

• Always sequence the syphilis code first when it is the underlying cause of the kidney/ureter condition.
• Do not use this code for congenital syphilis affecting the kidneys; refer to codes in chapter 16.
• Ensure documentation clearly links the renal/ureteral condition directly to the syphilitic infection.