A53.9 Syphilis, unspecified

The ICD-10-CM code for Syphilis, unspecified is A53.9 (FY2026). It is a billable, claim-ready diagnosis code.

Classification

Chapter

1: Certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99)

Section

A50-A64: Infections with a predominantly sexual mode of transmission (A50-A64)

Category A53

3 codes (2 billable)

FY2026 Status

Stable since FY2024

Also Known As

ICD-10-CM Alphabetic Index entries that lead to A53.9:

• Syphilis, syphilitic (acquired)
• Syphilis, syphilitic (acquired) › due to blood transfusion
• Syphilis, syphilitic (acquired) › conjugal
• Syphilis, syphilitic (acquired) › organic
• Syphilis, syphilitic (acquired) › general
• Positive › VDRL › with signs or symptoms - code by site and stage under Syphilis

Inclusion Terms

• Infection due to Treponema pallidum NOS
• Syphilis (acquired) NOS

U.S. Hospital Utilization

• An estimated 9,970 U.S. inpatient stays in 2023 included A53.9 among the documented diagnoses.
• 315 stays listed it as the principal diagnosis.

Source: National Inpatient Sample (NIS), Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2016–2023. National survey-weighted estimates.

Official Coding Guidelines

HIV Infections (TOC entry)

a. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infections .............................................................. 19

Infectious agents causing diseases in other chapters (TOC)

b. Infectious agents as the cause of diseases classified to other chapters ................................. 22

Source: CMS — ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY2026

References

• CMS — ICD-10-CM Official Code Set and Guidelines, FY2026
• CDC/NCHS — ICD-10-CM Files and Browser Tool
• AHRQ — HCUP National Inpatient Sample, Frequencies by Diagnosis Code (2016–2023)