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ICD-10 Coding for Decreased Urination(R34, N17.9)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Decreased Urination. 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 Urination

Symptoms and signs involving the urinary system

Includes codes for various urinary symptoms, including decreased urination.

R34Primary Range

Anuria and oliguria

Primary code for decreased urination, specifically oliguria and anuria.

Acute kidney failure and chronic kidney disease

Includes codes for kidney conditions that may cause or result from decreased urination.

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 urine output is significantly reduced, meeting oliguria or anuria criteria.
  • Urine output <0.5 mL/kg/hr for 6 hours
  • Bladder scan showing PVR >300 mL
N17.9Acute kidney injury, unspecifiedUse when acute kidney injury is present with decreased urination.
  • Creatinine increase ≥0.3 mg/dL in 48 hours
  • Urine output <0.5 mL/kg/hr for 6 hours

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 urination

Essential facts and insights about Decreased Urination

The ICD-10 code for decreased urination, specifically oliguria and anuria, is R34.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for decreased urination

Anuria and oliguria
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Urine output <0.5 mL/kg/hr for 6 hours

documentation Criteria

  • Document specific urine output volumes and time duration

Applicable To

  • Urine output <100 mL/day (anuria)
  • Urine output 100-400 mL/day (oliguria)

Excludes

  • Urinary retention (R33.9)
  • Urinary frequency (R35.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Urine output <0.5 mL/kg/hr for 6 hours
  • Bladder scan showing PVR >300 mL

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if urine output is not quantified
  • Overlooking underlying causes such as AKI

Coding Notes

  • Ensure urine output is documented with specific volumes and time frames.

Ancillary Codes

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

Urinary tract infection, site not specified

N39.0
Use when UTI is the underlying cause of decreased urination.

Acute kidney injury, unspecified

N17.9
Use when AKI is suspected or confirmed as the cause of decreased urination.

Differential Codes

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

Urinary frequency

R35.0
Use R35.0 if the patient experiences frequent urination rather than decreased output.

Unspecified retention of urine

R33.9
Use R33.9 for retention issues not meeting oliguria criteria.

Chronic kidney disease, unspecified

N18.9
Use N18.9 for chronic conditions, not acute changes.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on documentation standards, Use templates to ensure complete documentation

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to denied claims due to insufficient documentation., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines requiring specific metrics., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on patient condition severity.

Mitigation Strategy

Document precise urine output in mL/kg/hr over a specified time period.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of urine output can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement standardized documentation practices and regular audits.

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

Documentation Templates for Decreased Urination

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

Patient with acute oliguria

Specialty: Nephrology

Required Elements

  • Urine output measurements
  • Creatinine and BUN levels
  • Underlying cause identification

Example Documentation

Patient presents with urine output of 0.3 mL/kg/hr over 8 hours. Creatinine increased from 1.2 to 2.1 mg/dL. Suspected acute kidney injury.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has low urine output.
Good Documentation Example
Urine output 0.3 mL/kg/hr for 8 hours with creatinine increase from 1.2 to 2.1 mg/dL.
Explanation
The good example provides specific metrics and lab results, supporting the diagnosis and coding.

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

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