Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Blood in Urine(R31.0, R31.21, R31.9)

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

Also known as:

HematuriaBlood in Urine

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Blood in Urine

R31Primary Range

Hematuria

This range includes codes for different types of hematuria, such as gross and microscopic, and is the primary range for coding blood in urine.

Recurrent and persistent hematuria

This range is used when hematuria is linked to glomerular lesions or other specific conditions.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
R31.0Gross hematuriaUse when there is visible blood in the urine without a confirmed etiology.
  • Visible blood in urine
  • Urinalysis showing >100 RBCs/HPF
R31.21Asymptomatic microscopic hematuriaUse when microscopic hematuria is confirmed by lab tests and is asymptomatic.
  • >3 RBCs/HPF on two specimens
R31.9Unspecified hematuriaUse only if documentation lacks details and no specific findings are available.
  • Lack of specific findings

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 blood in urine

Essential facts and insights about Blood in Urine

Blood in urine is coded as R31.0 for gross hematuria and R31.21 for asymptomatic microscopic hematuria.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for blood in urine

Gross hematuria
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Visible blood in urine confirmed by urinalysis

Applicable To

  • Visible blood in urine

Excludes

  • Hematuria due to known causes like UTI or stones

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Visible blood in urine
  • Urinalysis showing >100 RBCs/HPF

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect sequencing if a definitive diagnosis is present

Coding Notes

  • Sequence after a definitive diagnosis if hematuria is a symptom.

Differential Codes

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

Recurrent and persistent hematuria with glomerular lesions

N02.1
Use when hematuria is linked to glomerular lesions such as sickle cell anemia.

Benign essential microscopic hematuria

R31.1
Use when hematuria is benign and essential with no proteinuria or renal dysfunction.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Blood in Urine to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R31.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit failure., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to lack of specificity.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document specific findings such as RBC count., Use templates to ensure comprehensive documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Increases audit risk., Data Quality: Decreases data quality by using unspecified codes.

Mitigation Strategy

Require documentation of microscopy results and symptom status.

Impact

Using R31.9 when more specific codes are applicable.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports the most specific code possible.

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 Blood in Urine, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Blood in Urine

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

Urology Clinic Note

Specialty: Urology

Required Elements

  • History of Present Illness
  • Laboratory Results
  • Imaging Studies
  • Assessment and Plan

Example Documentation

**HPI**: 60-year-old male with gross hematuria x 2 weeks. **Labs**: Urinalysis shows >50 RBCs/HPF. **Imaging**: CT urogram negative for stones. **Assessment**: Gross hematuria, etiology undetermined. Plan: Cystoscopy scheduled.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Hematuria, workup needed.
Good Documentation Example
Gross hematuria (R31.0); CT urogram negative for masses. High-risk smoker – cystoscopy recommended.
Explanation
The good example provides specific findings and a clear plan, improving clarity and coding accuracy.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Blood in Urine? 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