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ICD-10 Coding for Dark Urine(R82.998, R82.90)

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

Also known as:

Cola-colored urineTea-colored urineAmber urine

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Dark Urine

R82.90-R82.998Primary Range

Abnormal findings in urine

Covers unspecified and specific abnormal findings in urine, including dark urine.

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Used when dark urine is associated with a UTI.

Hematuria, unspecified

Used when dark urine is due to hematuria without a confirmed source.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
R82.998Other abnormal findings in urineUse when specific abnormal findings like bilirubin or blood are documented.
  • Bilirubin >0.2 mg/dL on dipstick
  • Serum direct bilirubin >0.3 mg/dL
R82.90Unspecified abnormal findings in urineUse when dark urine is documented without specific lab findings.
  • General observation of dark urine without specific lab results

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 dark urine

Essential facts and insights about Dark Urine

The ICD-10 code for dark urine with specific findings is R82.998, while R82.90 is used for unspecified cases.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for dark urine

Other abnormal findings in urine
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of bilirubin or hemoglobin in urine

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed urinalysis results

Applicable To

  • Bilirubinuria
  • Hemoglobinuria

Excludes

  • Hematuria (R31.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Bilirubin >0.2 mg/dL on dipstick
  • Serum direct bilirubin >0.3 mg/dL

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misuse if specific findings are not documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure specific findings are documented to support this code.

Ancillary Codes

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

Urinary tract infection

N39.0
Use alongside R82.998 if dark urine is due to a UTI.

Differential Codes

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

Hematuria, unspecified

R31.9
Use R31.9 if RBCs >5/HPF on microscopy without specific findings like bilirubin.

Other abnormal findings in urine

R82.998
Use R82.998 if specific findings like bilirubin are present.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Dark Urine to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R82.998.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific descriptors for urine color and clarity.

Impact

Reimbursement: May result in lower reimbursement due to non-specific coding., Compliance: Could lead to compliance issues with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Affects data accuracy and quality for clinical analysis.

Mitigation Strategy

Use R82.998 if specific findings like bilirubin are present.

Impact

Using unspecified codes when specific findings are documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports the most specific code available.

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

Documentation Templates for Dark Urine

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

Nephrology consultation for dark urine

Specialty: Nephrology

Required Elements

  • Urine color and clarity
  • Specific gravity
  • Presence of bilirubin or blood

Example Documentation

Urine is dark amber with specific gravity 1.035; urinalysis shows 3+ bilirubin, negative blood.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has dark urine.
Good Documentation Example
Maroon-colored urine with 4+ blood on dipstick; microscopy shows 50 RBCs/HPF, no dysmorphic cells.
Explanation
The good example provides specific urinalysis results supporting the diagnosis.

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

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