ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for cerebral syphilis
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Syphilis, syphilitic (acquired) › cerebral”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding cerebral syphilis
The ICD-10-CM code for cerebral syphilis is A52.17 (General paresis). The official index lists 4 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on A52.17.
Within A52.1 (symptomatic neurosyphilis), A52.17 is specifically for general paresis. Related codes cover unspecified (A52.10), Tabes dorsalis (A52.11), other cerebrospinal syphilis (A52.12), late syphilitic meningitis (A52.13), late syphilitic encephalitis (A52.14), late syphilitic neuropathy (A52.15), Charcot's arthropathy (tabetic) (A52.16) and other symptomatic neurosyphilis (A52.19).
As a secondary diagnosis it is a CC (complication or comorbidity), which can move an inpatient stay into the "with CC" MS-DRG of its family, unless the principal diagnosis excludes it.
In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 056 (Degenerative Nervous System Disorders with MCC, relative weight 2.2655) and DRG 057 (Degenerative Nervous System Disorders without MCC, relative weight 1.2838), in MDC 01 (Diseases and Disorders of the Nervous System), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.
More specific cerebral syphilis codes (official index)
Common questions about cerebral syphilis ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for cerebral syphilis?
- A52.17 — General paresis. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: A52.13, A52.15, A52.17, A52.05.
What is the ICD-10 code for meningovascular cerebral syphilis?
- A52.13 — Late syphilitic meningitis.
What is the ICD-10 code for nerves cerebral syphilis?
- A52.15 — Late syphilitic neuropathy.
What is the ICD-10 code for sclerosis cerebral syphilis?
- A52.17 — General paresis.
What is the ICD-10 code for thrombosis cerebral syphilis?
- A52.05 — Other cerebrovascular syphilis.
Is A52.17 billable?
- Yes. A52.17 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can A52.17 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict A52.17 as a principal diagnosis.
Is A52.17 a CC or MCC?
- A52.17 is a CC (complication or comorbidity) under MS-DRG v44.0, unless excluded by the principal diagnosis.