Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Asymptomatic Bacteriuria(R82.71)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Asymptomatic Bacteriuria. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

ASBBacteriuria without symptoms

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Asymptomatic Bacteriuria

R82-R82.99Primary Range

Abnormal findings on examination of urine, without diagnosis

This range includes codes for abnormal urine findings, with R82.71 specifically for bacteriuria without symptoms.

Other disorders of urinary system

This range includes codes for urinary tract infections, which are differentiated from asymptomatic bacteriuria by the presence of symptoms.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for asymptomatic bacteriuria

Essential facts and insights about Asymptomatic Bacteriuria

The ICD-10 code for asymptomatic bacteriuria is R82.71, used when bacteria are present in urine without symptoms.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for asymptomatic bacteriuria

Bacteriuria
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient has a positive urine culture but no symptoms of UTI.

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation must explicitly state the absence of symptoms.

Applicable To

  • Bacteriuria without symptoms

Excludes

  • Urinary tract infection (N39.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Urine culture showing ≥10^5 CFU/mL without symptoms

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as R82.71 when symptoms are present can lead to denials.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation clearly states the absence of symptoms to support the use of R82.71.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Long-term (current) use of antibiotics

Z79.4
Use if antibiotics are prescribed inappropriately for asymptomatic bacteriuria.

Personal history of urinary tract infections

Z87.442
Use for patients with recurrent asymptomatic bacteriuria and a history of UTIs.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Urinary tract infection, site not specified

N39.0
Use N39.0 when symptoms such as dysuria, fever, or urgency are present.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Asymptomatic Bacteriuria to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R82.71.

Impact

Clinical: Misclassification of the condition., Regulatory: Potential audit issues., Financial: Risk of claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation of symptom assessment., Use templates to guide documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use N39.0 if any UTI symptoms are documented.

Impact

Lack of documentation on symptom status can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement documentation templates and regular training.

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 Asymptomatic Bacteriuria, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Asymptomatic Bacteriuria

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Asymptomatic Bacteriuria. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Routine check-up with positive urine culture

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • Absence of symptoms
  • Urine culture results
  • Clinical decision not to treat

Example Documentation

Assessment: Asymptomatic bacteriuria (R82.71). Plan: No antibiotics indicated per guidelines; monitor for symptoms.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Positive urine culture.
Good Documentation Example
Asymptomatic bacteriuria confirmed by urine culture (≥10⁵ CFU/mL) without dysuria, fever, urgency, or flank pain.
Explanation
The good example provides specific culture results and confirms the absence of symptoms, supporting the use of R82.71.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Asymptomatic Bacteriuria? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more