2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A53Other and unspecified syphilis

ICD-10-CM Codes›A00–B99›A50-A64›A53

ICD-10-CM A53
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

A53 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for other and unspecified syphilis, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as A53.0 and A53.9.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
A53
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Other and unspecified syphilis
Short Description
Other and unspecified syphilis
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Chapter
A50-A64
Infections with a predominantly sexual mode of transmission

Code Classification

ChapterA00–B99Certain infectious and parasitic diseases
SectionA50-A64Infections with a predominantly sexual mode of transmission
CategoryA53Other and unspecified syphilis
This CodeA53Other and unspecified syphilis

Specific Coding for Other and unspecified syphilisOverview

Non-specific codes like A53 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • Use A53.0 for Latent syphilis, unspecified as early or late

  • Use A53.9 for Syphilis, unspecified

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to A53: its own notes plus those printed at block A50-A64 and Chapter 1. A note printed at a category, block or chapter applies to every code under it.

Includes

Further defines, or gives examples of, the content of the category.

From Chapter 1 (A00-B99) Certain infectious and parasitic diseases applies to 1,068 codes
  • diseases generally recognized as communicable or transmissible

Excludes1

Not coded here: the excluded code is never reported together with this one, unless the two conditions are unrelated.

From Block A50-A64 Infections with a predominantly sexual mode of transmission applies to 142 codes
  • nonspecific and nongonococcal urethritis (N34.1)
  • Reiter's disease (M02.3-)

Excludes2

Not included here: the excluded condition is not part of this code, but a patient may have both, so both codes may be reported.

From Block A50-A64 Infections with a predominantly sexual mode of transmission applies to 142 codes
  • human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] disease (B20)
From Chapter 1 (A00-B99) Certain infectious and parasitic diseases applies to 1,068 codes
  • carrier or suspected carrier of infectious disease (Z22.-)
  • certain localized infections - see body system-related chapters
  • infectious and parasitic diseases complicating pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (O98.-)
  • infectious and parasitic diseases specific to the perinatal period (P35-P39)
  • influenza and other acute respiratory infections (J00-J22)

Use Additional Code

Add a second code, after this one, to fully describe the condition.

From Chapter 1 (A00-B99) Certain infectious and parasitic diseases applies to 1,068 codes
  • code to identify resistance to antimicrobial drugs (Z16.-)

Source: CMS ICD-10-CM Tabular List. How to read instructional notes.

Referenced in Other NotesGuidance

Instructional notes printed at other codes that name A53, its category, or a range that includes it.

Applicable To 1

These notes mention A53.

  • O98.1 Syphilis complicating pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium
    Conditions in A50-A53 names A50-A53, which includes this code

Excludes2 1

These codes carry an Excludes2 note naming A53: its condition is not part of those codes, and both may be reported when the patient has both.

  • Block A65-A69 Other spirochetal diseases
    syphilis (A50-A53) names A50-A53, which includes this code

Patient EducationClinical

Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria. It infects the genital area, lips, mouth, or anus of both men and women. You usually get syphilis from sexual contact with someone who has it. It can also pass from mother to baby during pregnancy.

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2026No changes
FY 2027CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

Questions About A53Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for other and unspecified syphilis?

A53 is the ICD-10-CM category for other and unspecified syphilis, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

Is A53 (Other and unspecified syphilis) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for other and unspecified syphilis, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for other and unspecified syphilis need a more specific code from this category, such as A53.0 and A53.9.

Can A53 be reported with N34.1?

Not as a rule. The Excludes1 note at block A50-A64, which applies to A53, lists "nonspecific and nongonococcal urethritis (N34.1)". An Excludes1 note means the excluded code is never reported together with this one; the only exception is when the two conditions are unrelated to each other (Official Guidelines, Section I.A.12.a).