Genital syphilis (primary)

This code identifies the initial stage of syphilis, characterized by the presence of a chancre, typically on the genitals. This highly infectious lesion is the primary manifestation of the Treponema pallidum infection.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states a diagnosis of primary syphilis, often confirmed by serological tests and the presence of a chancre. This is used for the initial presentation of the disease, before progression to secondary or latent stages.

• Ensure documentation specifies "primary" syphilis; do not use for secondary or latent stages.
• Confirm the anatomical site is genital; if extragenital, a different primary syphilis code may be more appropriate.
• Consider co-occurring sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and code them separately if documented.