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ICD-10 Coding for Cervicitis(N72)

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

Also known as:

Cervical inflammationInflammatory disease of cervix uteri

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Cervicitis

N70-N77Primary Range

Inflammatory diseases of female pelvic organs

This range includes codes for inflammatory conditions affecting the female pelvic organs, including cervicitis.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for cervicitis

Essential facts and insights about Cervicitis

The ICD-10 code for cervicitis is N72, which includes inflammatory disease of the cervix uteri.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for cervicitis

Inflammatory disease of cervix uteri
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of mucopurulent discharge and negative STI tests

coding Criteria

  • STI pathogen identified

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed description of discharge and swab findings

Applicable To

  • Cervicitis with or without erosion

Excludes

  • Erosion of cervix uteri without cervicitis (N86)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Mucopurulent cervical discharge
  • Cervical friability (bleeding with gentle swabbing)
  • Absence of confirmed STI pathogen (e.g., negative Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae testing)

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding N72 when a specific infection is identified.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation excludes STI pathogens before using N72.

Ancillary Codes

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

Encounter for screening for infections with a predominantly sexual mode of transmission

Z11.3
Use Z11.3 when cervicitis prompts STI screening.

Other specified bacterial agents as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

B96.89
Use B96.89 when a non-STI bacterial agent is identified.

Differential Codes

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

Erosion and ectropion of cervix uteri

N86
Use N86 when there is erosion without cervicitis.

Gonococcal cervicitis

A54.03
Use A54.03 when cervicitis is due to Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Chlamydial cervicitis

A56.09
Use A56.09 when cervicitis is due to Chlamydia trachomatis.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cervicitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N72.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential denial of claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Use structured templates., Train staff on documentation standards.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect sequencing can lead to lower reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on STI prevalence.

Mitigation Strategy

Code the specific STI first, such as A54.03 for gonococcal cervicitis.

Impact

Failure to document negative STI tests when using N72.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all negative test results are documented before coding.

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

Documentation Templates for Cervicitis

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

STI Clinic Visit

Specialty: Gynecology

Required Elements

  • Patient history of discharge
  • Speculum exam findings
  • NAAT results

Example Documentation

25yo F presents with 7-day history of yellow discharge. Speculum exam reveals mucopurulent cervical exudate. Cervix friable upon swab contact. NAAT negative for GC/CT. Wet prep negative for Trichomonas. Dx: Mucopurulent cervicitis (N72).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Cervicitis noted.
Good Documentation Example
Copious yellow discharge from os; cervix friable with swab contact; GC/CT NAAT negative.
Explanation
The good example provides specific findings and test results, supporting the diagnosis.

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

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