A52.15

What This Code Means

This is a nerve damage condition that develops years after a person was infected with syphilis, even if the initial infection was treated. The infection causes inflammation and deterioration of nerves, leading to weakness, numbness, or pain.

Coding Tips

• •This code is used only for late-stage syphilis complications (typically occurring 2+ years after initial infection); ensure documentation confirms late syphilis rather than early or congenital syphilis
• •Verify that the neuropathy is specifically attributed to syphilis and not another cause; may need to code the underlying late syphilis (A52.1x) as the primary diagnosis with this as a manifestation