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ICD-10 Coding for Bacteriuria(R82.71, N39.0)

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

Also known as:

Asymptomatic BacteriuriaBacterial Urine Infection

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Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Bacteriuria

R82-R82.99Primary Range

Abnormal findings on examination of urine, without diagnosis

This range includes codes for abnormal urine findings, including bacteriuria.

N39-N39.9

Other disorders of urinary system

This range includes codes for urinary tract infections, which may be related to bacteriuria.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
R82.71BacteriuriaUse when significant bacterial growth is present in urine without symptoms.
  • Urine culture showing ≥10^5 CFU/mL without symptoms
  • Absence of dysuria, fever, urgency, or flank pain
N39.0Urinary tract infection, site not specifiedUse when urinary symptoms are present with positive culture.
  • Presence of urinary symptoms
  • Positive urine culture with pyuria

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 bacteriuria

Essential facts and insights about Bacteriuria

The ICD-10 code for bacteriuria is R82.71, used for cases without symptoms.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for bacteriuria

R82.71
Bacteriuria
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Significant bacterial growth without symptoms

coding Criteria

  • Absence of symptoms like dysuria or fever

documentation Criteria

  • Documented urine culture results and absence of symptoms

Applicable To

  • Asymptomatic bacteriuria

Excludes

  • Urinary tract infection (N39.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Urine culture showing ≥10^5 CFU/mL without symptoms
  • Absence of dysuria, fever, urgency, or flank pain

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as UTI if symptoms are present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation clearly differentiates between asymptomatic bacteriuria and symptomatic UTI.
View Full Code Details

Ancillary Codes

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

Escherichia coli [E. coli] as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

B96.2
Use when E. coli is identified as the causative organism in bacteriuria.

Differential Codes

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

Urinary tract infection, site not specified

N39.0
Presence of urinary symptoms such as dysuria or fever.

Bacteriuria

R82.71
Lack of urinary symptoms.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting 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: Misdiagnosis of UTI vs. bacteriuria., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for incorrect billing.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough symptom assessment, Document findings clearly

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to reimbursement issues., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Use N39.0 if symptoms like dysuria or fever are documented.

Impact

Risk of coding errors if symptoms are not documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement checklist for symptom assessment.

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

Documentation Templates for Bacteriuria

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

Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Elderly Patient

Specialty: Geriatrics

Required Elements

  • Urine culture results
  • Symptom assessment
  • Clinical decision-making

Example Documentation

Patient denies dysuria, urgency, or fever. Urine culture shows >100,000 CFU/mL E. coli. No antibiotics indicated.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Positive urine culture – treat with antibiotics.
Good Documentation Example
Asymptomatic bacteriuria with >100,000 CFU/mL E. coli. No symptoms present. No antibiotics needed.
Explanation
The good example provides culture results and symptom assessment, supporting the decision not to treat.

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