2025 ICD-10-CM code P37.9
Congenital infectious or parasitic disease, unspecified.
The medical necessity for using this code is based on the presence of clinical findings suggestive of a congenital infection, especially when the specific pathogen or parasite is unknown. The code facilitates the initiation of appropriate investigations and potential treatment while a definitive diagnosis is being pursued.It should be replaced by a more specific code as soon as the causative agent is confirmed.
The diagnosis of congenital infections is typically made by pediatricians or neonatologists.They are responsible for ordering appropriate tests and initiating treatment.
- Certain conditions originating in the perinatal period (P00-P96)
- P37 Other congenital infectious and parasitic diseasesP37.0 Congenital tuberculosisP37.1 Congenital toxoplasmosisP37.2 Neonatal (disseminated) listeriosisP37.3 Congenital falciparum malariaP37.4 Other congenital malariaP37.5 Neonatal candidiasisP37.8 Other specified congenital infectious and parasitic diseases P37.9 Congenital infectious or parasitic disease, unspecified
In simple words: This code represents an unspecified infectious or parasitic disease that is present at birth.
Congenital infectious or parasitic disease, unspecified.
Example 1: A newborn presents with symptoms suggestive of an infection, but the specific pathogen cannot be immediately identified.The physician may use this code until further testing confirms a definitive diagnosis., A baby is born with signs of congenital infection, including fever, lethargy, and poor feeding.Initial laboratory tests are inconclusive, so P37.9 is assigned as a temporary diagnosis., A newborn exhibits symptoms consistent with a congenital parasitic infection, but the specific parasite has not yet been confirmed through diagnostic tests.P37.9 can be used until the specific diagnosis is identified.
Documentation should include any signs, symptoms, and laboratory results suggesting a congenital infection.If imaging studies or other diagnostic tests are performed, their findings should also be documented.If the infection is eventually identified, this should be noted in the record, and the code updated accordingly.
** This code is used when a newborn exhibits signs or symptoms of a congenital infection or parasitic disease, but the specific etiology is not yet identified.It is a temporary code used until a more definitive diagnosis is confirmed through further testing. Once the causative agent is known, the code should be updated to reflect the specific infection.
- Specialties:Pediatrics, Neonatology, Infectious Disease
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Birthing Center