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ICD-10 Coding for Chronic Urinary Retention(R33.8, N40.1)

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

Also known as:

CURLong-term urinary retention

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Chronic Urinary Retention

R33Primary Range

Retention of urine

This range includes codes for different types of urinary retention, including chronic and drug-induced.

Diseases of male genital organs

Includes codes for conditions like BPH that can cause urinary retention.

Postprocedural disorders of genitourinary system

Used for coding postprocedural complications leading to urinary retention.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
R33.8Other retention of urineUse when chronic urinary retention is documented without a specified cause.
  • Two PVR measurements >300 mL on two occasions 6 months apart
  • Documentation of 'chronic' or 'persistent' retention
N40.1Benign prostatic hyperplasia with lower urinary tract symptomsUse when BPH is the underlying cause of urinary retention.
  • Prostate size >30g on imaging
  • IPSS >19

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 chronic urinary retention

Essential facts and insights about Chronic Urinary Retention

The ICD-10 code for chronic urinary retention is R33.8, used when chronicity is documented with PVR measurements.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for chronic urinary retention

Other retention of urine
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • PVR >300 mL on two occasions

documentation Criteria

  • Use of the term 'chronic' in documentation

Applicable To

  • Chronic urinary retention

Excludes

  • Neurogenic bladder (G95.8)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Two PVR measurements >300 mL on two occasions 6 months apart
  • Documentation of 'chronic' or 'persistent' retention

Code-Specific Risks

  • Overuse when more specific codes apply

Coding Notes

  • Ensure chronicity is documented to avoid using R33.9.

Ancillary Codes

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

Feeling of incomplete emptying

R39.14
Use as an ancillary code when incomplete emptying is documented without full retention.

Differential Codes

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

Unspecified retention of urine

R33.9
Use R33.9 only when retention is unspecified and no chronicity is documented.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Chronic Urinary Retention to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R33.8.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit failures., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates to ensure all necessary details are captured., Educate staff on documentation standards.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Increases risk of audit failures., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies chronicity or cause to use R33.8 or other specific codes.

Impact

Failure to document chronicity can lead to incorrect coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement regular audits of documentation practices.

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 Chronic Urinary Retention, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Chronic Urinary Retention

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

Chronic urinary retention due to BPH

Specialty: Urology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Prostate size
  • PVR measurements
  • Symptom index

Example Documentation

**Subjective:** 'Patient reports incomplete emptying and nocturia.' **Objective:** 'Prostate 55g, PVR 450mL.' **Assessment:** 'Chronic urinary retention due to BPH.' **Plan:** 'Consider TURP.'

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has trouble urinating.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports chronic urinary retention with PVR 450mL confirmed on two occasions.
Explanation
The good example specifies chronicity and provides PVR measurements, supporting code selection.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Chronic Urinary Retention? Ask your questions below.

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