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ICD-10 Coding for Foley Catheter Problem(T83.511A, N39.0)

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

Also known as:

Indwelling Catheter ComplicationUrinary Catheter Issue

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Foley Catheter Problem

T83.5Primary Range

Complications of urinary devices, implants and grafts

This range includes codes for complications related to urinary catheters, including infections and mechanical issues.

Other disorders of urinary system

Includes codes for urinary tract infections and other urinary symptoms that may be related to catheter use.

Encounter for fitting and adjustment of urinary devices

Used for routine maintenance and adjustment of urinary catheters without complications.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
T83.511AInfection and inflammatory reaction due to indwelling urethral catheterUse when a UTI is directly attributed to the catheter, with explicit documentation of causality.
  • Urinalysis showing WBC >10/HPF
  • Positive urine culture with >10^5 CFU/mL of uropathogen
N39.0Urinary tract infection, site not specifiedUse when a UTI is present without a documented link to catheter use.
  • Urinalysis with positive leukocyte esterase
  • Positive urine culture

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: How do you code a Foley catheter problem in ICD-10?

Essential facts and insights about Foley Catheter Problem

For catheter-associated infections, use T83.511A. Ensure documentation specifies the causal link between the catheter and the infection.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for foley catheter problem

Infection and inflammatory reaction due to indwelling urethral catheter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of symptoms and lab results indicating infection due to catheter.

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit statement linking UTI to catheter use.

Applicable To

  • Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI)

Excludes

  • Non-catheter-associated UTI (N39.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Urinalysis showing WBC >10/HPF
  • Positive urine culture with >10^5 CFU/mL of uropathogen

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as non-catheter-associated UTI
  • Omission of causal language in documentation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation explicitly states the causal relationship between the catheter and the infection.

Ancillary Codes

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

Dysuria

R30.0
Use to document symptoms associated with a UTI.

Differential Codes

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

Urinary tract infection, site not specified

N39.0
Use when there is no documented causal link to a catheter.

Infection due to indwelling urethral catheter

T83.511A
Use when infection is documented as catheter-associated.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Foley Catheter Problem to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code T83.511A.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate information for clinical management., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential denial of claims due to incomplete documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates that prompt for catheter details., Educate staff on documentation requirements.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential underpayment due to incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on catheter-associated infections.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation explicitly links the UTI to the catheter.

Impact

Incorrect POA flagging for catheter-associated infections can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure accurate documentation of infection onset relative to catheter insertion.

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 Foley Catheter Problem, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Foley Catheter Problem

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

CAUTI with Sepsis

Specialty: Infectious Disease

Required Elements

  • Causal relationship documentation
  • Sepsis symptoms and lab results
  • Antibiotic treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient with indwelling Foley catheter presents with fever and dysuria. Urinalysis shows WBC >50, positive nitrites. Blood cultures positive for E. coli. Diagnosis: CAUTI leading to sepsis. Treatment initiated with IV antibiotics.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
UTI with Foley.
Good Documentation Example
E. coli UTI confirmed by culture, secondary to indwelling Foley catheter.
Explanation
The good example specifies the pathogen and causal link, supporting accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Foley Catheter Problem? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

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