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ICD-10 Coding for Decreased Urinary Output(R34, R39.12)

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

Also known as:

OliguriaAnuriaLow Urine Output

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Decreased Urinary Output

R30-R39Primary Range

Other symptoms and signs involving the urinary system

Includes codes for urinary symptoms like oliguria and anuria.

Acute kidney failure and chronic kidney disease

Includes codes for acute kidney injury which can present with decreased urinary output.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
R34Anuria and oliguriaUse when there is a documented decrease in urine output without a definitive diagnosis of AKI.
  • Urine output <400 mL/24hrs for oliguria
  • Urine output <50 mL/24hrs for anuria
R39.12Poor urinary streamUse when the patient reports a weak or intermittent urinary stream.
  • Qualitative description of urinary flow issues

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 decreased urinary output

Essential facts and insights about Decreased Urinary Output

The ICD-10 code for decreased urinary output is R34, covering anuria and oliguria. Use when urine output is reduced without a definitive AKI diagnosis.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for decreased urinary output

Anuria and oliguria
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Urine output <400 mL/24hrs or <50 mL/24hrs

documentation Criteria

  • Specific urine volume and time duration must be documented.

Applicable To

  • Anuria
  • Oliguria

Excludes

  • Acute kidney failure (N17.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Urine output <400 mL/24hrs for oliguria
  • Urine output <50 mL/24hrs for anuria

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if AKI criteria are met.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure urine output is quantified and documented over a specific time period.

Ancillary Codes

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

Poor urinary stream

R39.12
Use for qualitative flow issues without volume metrics.

Differential Codes

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

Acute kidney failure, unspecified

N17.9
Use N17.9 if AKI criteria are met, such as a rise in serum creatinine.

Other obstructive and reflux uropathy

N13.8
Use N13.8 if imaging confirms obstruction.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Decreased Urinary Output to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R34.

Impact

Clinical: Potential misdiagnosis of kidney conditions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Risk of claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific measurements in documentation., Include duration and response to treatment.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to potential underpayment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use N17.9 if AKI is diagnosed based on creatinine rise or urine output criteria.

Impact

Failure to code AKI when criteria are met.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate clinicians on AKI criteria and documentation requirements.

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 Decreased Urinary Output, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Decreased Urinary Output

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

Post-operative oliguria

Specialty: Surgery

Required Elements

  • Urine output in mL/kg/hr
  • Response to interventions
  • Associated symptoms

Example Documentation

Urine Output: 0.3 mL/kg/hr for 6 hours post-op, unresponsive to 500mL IV bolus.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Low urine output post-op.
Good Documentation Example
Urine output 0.3 mL/kg/hr for 6 hours post-op, unresponsive to 500mL IV bolus.
Explanation
The good example provides specific measurements and response to treatment.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Decreased Urinary Output? Ask your questions below.

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