ICD-10 Coding for Acute Urinary Retention(R33.9, R33.0)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Acute Urinary Retention. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Acute Urinary Retention
R33Primary Range
Retention of urine
This range includes codes for different types of urinary retention, including acute and chronic forms.
Diseases of male genital organs
Includes conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) which can cause urinary retention.
Postprocedural disorders of genitourinary system
Includes post-procedural complications that may lead to urinary retention.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| R33.9 | Unspecified retention of urine | Use when acute urinary retention is documented without a specified cause. |
|
| R33.0 | Drug-induced retention of urine | Use when retention is caused by a specific drug. |
|
Clinical Decision Support
Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for acute urinary retention
Essential facts and insights about Acute Urinary Retention
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for acute urinary retention
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Acute onset of urinary retention with no specified cause
Applicable To
- Acute urinary retention without further specification
Excludes
- Drug-induced urinary retention (R33.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Bladder scan showing PVR >400mL
- Clinical documentation of acute onset
Code-Specific Risks
- May lead to lower reimbursement if unspecified
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies acute nature and any known causes.
R33.0 - Drug-induced retention of urine
Use when retention is caused by a specific drug.
Applicable To
- Retention due to adverse drug effects
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documentation of drug use causing retention
- Adverse effect coding with T36-T50
Coding Notes
Ensure drug name and adverse effect are documented.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia with lower urinary tract symptoms
N40.1Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Acute Urinary Retention to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R33.9.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment, Regulatory: Increases audit risk, Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement
Mitigation Strategy
Always document any known causes of retention
Impact
Reimbursement: May result in lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Increases risk of audits due to lack of specificity., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific codes like R33.0 for drug-induced retention.
Impact
High audit risk for using R33.9 without specific cause
Mitigation Strategy
Document specific causes and use appropriate codes
Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Acute Urinary Retention, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Acute Urinary Retention
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Acute Urinary Retention. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Emergency Department Note for AUR
Specialty: UrologyRequired Elements
- Patient demographics
- Chief complaint
- Bladder scan results
- Intervention details
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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