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ICD-10-CM 2027

ICD-10 code for meningitis syphilis

A52.13

Late syphilitic meningitis

From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Syphilis, syphilitic (acquired) › meningitis”. Page updated September 29, 2026.

About coding meningitis syphilis

The ICD-10-CM code for meningitis syphilis is A52.13 (Late syphilitic meningitis). The official index lists 2 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on A52.13.

Within A52.1 (symptomatic neurosyphilis), A52.13 is specifically for late syphilitic meningitis. Related codes cover unspecified (A52.10), Tabes dorsalis (A52.11), other cerebrospinal syphilis (A52.12), late syphilitic encephalitis (A52.14), late syphilitic neuropathy (A52.15), Charcot's arthropathy (tabetic) (A52.16), general paresis (A52.17) and other symptomatic neurosyphilis (A52.19).

As a secondary diagnosis it is an MCC (major complication or comorbidity), which can move an inpatient stay into the highest-paying "with MCC" 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 023 (Craniotomy with Major Device Implant or Acute Complex CNS Principal Diagnosis with MCC or Antineoplastic Implant or Epilepsy with Neurostimulator, relative weight 5.7444), DRG 024 (Craniotomy with Major Device Implant or Acute Complex CNS Principal Diagnosis without MCC, relative weight 3.9708), DRG 097 (Non-Bacterial Infection of Nervous System Except Viral Meningitis with MCC, relative weight 3.8226), DRG 098 (Non-Bacterial Infection of Nervous System Except Viral Meningitis with CC, relative weight 2.2706) and DRG 099 (Non-Bacterial Infection of Nervous System Except Viral Meningitis without CC/MCC, relative weight 1.5256), 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 meningitis syphilis codes (official index)

  • acute (secondary) A51.41 — Secondary syphilitic meningitis
  • congenital A50.41 — Late congenital syphilitic meningitis

Common questions about meningitis syphilis ICD-10 codes

What is the ICD-10 code for meningitis syphilis?

A52.13 — Late syphilitic meningitis. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: A51.41, A50.41.

What is the ICD-10 code for acute meningitis syphilis?

A51.41 — Secondary syphilitic meningitis.

What is the ICD-10 code for congenital meningitis syphilis?

A50.41 — Late congenital syphilitic meningitis.

Is A52.13 billable?

Yes. A52.13 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).

Can A52.13 be used as a principal diagnosis?

Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict A52.13 as a principal diagnosis.

Is A52.13 a CC or MCC?

A52.13 is an MCC (major complication or comorbidity) under MS-DRG v44.0, unless excluded by the principal diagnosis.