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ICD-10 Coding for History of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection(Z87.440, N39.0)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for History of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

History of Recurrent UTIRecurrent UTI History

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to History of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection

Z87.4Primary Range

Personal history of diseases of the genitourinary system

This range includes codes for personal history of urinary tract infections, specifically Z87.440 for history of recurrent UTIs.

Urinary tract infection, site not specified

This range is used for active urinary tract infections, which may be confused with historical codes if not properly documented.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
Z87.440Personal history of urinary (tract) infectionsUse when the patient has a documented history of recurrent UTIs but no current active infection.
  • Documented history of ≥2 UTIs in past 6 months or ≥3 in past year
  • No current symptoms of UTI
  • Negative urinalysis or culture
N39.0Urinary tract infection, site not specifiedUse when the patient presents with active symptoms of a UTI and positive lab results.
  • Positive urinalysis or culture
  • Current symptoms such as dysuria or frequency

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 history of recurrent urinary tract infection

Essential facts and insights about History of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection

The ICD-10 code for a history of recurrent urinary tract infection is Z87.440, used when there are no current symptoms but a documented history.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for history of recurrent urinary tract infection

Personal history of urinary (tract) infections
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient has a history of recurrent UTIs with no current symptoms.

documentation Criteria

  • History of UTIs is documented with dates and treatments.

Applicable To

  • History of recurrent urinary tract infections

Excludes

  • Current urinary tract infection (N39.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented history of ≥2 UTIs in past 6 months or ≥3 in past year
  • No current symptoms of UTI
  • Negative urinalysis or culture

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding active infections as historical
  • Lack of documented history leading to audit risks

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation clearly states the absence of current symptoms and includes a quantified history of past infections.

Differential Codes

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

Urinary tract infection, site not specified

N39.0
Use N39.0 for active infections with symptoms and positive lab results.

Personal history of urinary (tract) infections

Z87.440
Use Z87.440 for historical infections without current symptoms.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting History of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z87.440.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Potential for audit issues due to incorrect coding., Financial: Claims may be denied or reimbursed incorrectly.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation of current symptom status, Review patient history before coding

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims or incorrect payments., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies no current symptoms and a history of UTIs.

Impact

Using Z87.440 for active infections can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation clearly differentiates between historical and active infections.

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 History of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for History of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for History of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Routine follow-up for history of recurrent UTIs

Specialty: Urology

Required Elements

  • History of UTIs with dates
  • Current symptom status
  • Urinalysis results

Example Documentation

Patient has a history of 3 UTIs in the past year, currently asymptomatic. Urinalysis today shows no signs of infection.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Recurrent UTIs, continue monitoring.
Good Documentation Example
3 culture-confirmed UTIs (1/25, 3/25, 5/25), currently asymptomatic. UA today: 5 WBC/HPF, no bacteria. Plan: voiding diary + postcoital prophylaxis.
Explanation
The good example provides specific history, current status, and a clear plan, improving clarity and compliance.

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