Late syphilis, unspecified

This code signifies a diagnosis of syphilis in its later stages where the specific manifestation (e.g., cardiovascular, neurosyphilis, gummatous) is not documented or determined. It represents a chronic, systemic infection caused by Treponema pallidum that has progressed beyond the primary and secondary stages.

This code is appropriate when a patient presents with signs or symptoms consistent with late-stage syphilis, but the medical record lacks sufficient detail to specify a more precise late syphilis diagnosis. Use when documentation indicates "late syphilis, unspecified" or "tertiary syphilis, unspecified."

• Avoid using this code if documentation clearly specifies a particular late syphilis manifestation (e.g., neurosyphilis, cardiovascular syphilis); instead, use the more specific code.
• Ensure the medical record confirms a diagnosis of syphilis and indicates a late stage, even if the specific type is unknown.
• Consider querying the provider for more specific documentation if "late syphilis, unspecified" is the only information available, to allow for more precise coding.