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ICD-10 Coding for Incomplete Bladder Emptying(R39.14, R33.8)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Incomplete Bladder Emptying. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Urinary RetentionBladder Retention

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Incomplete Bladder Emptying

R33-R39Primary Range

Symptoms and signs involving the genitourinary system

This range includes codes for symptoms related to urinary retention and incomplete bladder emptying.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
R39.14Feeling of incomplete bladder emptyingUse when the patient reports a sensation of incomplete emptying but objective tests show normal PVR.
  • Subjective symptom without confirmed retention
  • PVR <300 mL
R33.8Other retention of urineUse when there is confirmed urinary retention with PVR ≥300 mL.
  • Objective retention confirmed by PVR ≥300 mL
  • Bladder scan or catheterization documentation

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 incomplete bladder emptying

Essential facts and insights about Incomplete Bladder Emptying

The ICD-10 code for the sensation of incomplete bladder emptying is R39.14, while R33.8 is used for confirmed urinary retention with PVR ≥300 mL.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for incomplete bladder emptying

Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient reports sensation of incomplete voiding with normal PVR.

Applicable To

  • Sensation of incomplete voiding

Excludes

  • Confirmed urinary retention (R33.8)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Subjective symptom without confirmed retention
  • PVR <300 mL

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misuse as a primary diagnosis
  • Incorrect use without symptom documentation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'feeling' rather than confirmed retention.

Differential Codes

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

Other retention of urine

R33.8
Use R33.8 when there is objective evidence of retention with PVR ≥300 mL.

Retention of urine, unspecified

R33.9
Use R33.9 only when the type of retention cannot be specified.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Incomplete Bladder Emptying to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R39.14.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate assessment of urinary retention severity., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement due to incorrect coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on documentation requirements, Use templates with PVR fields

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use R33.8 with the specific etiology code.

Impact

Lack of PVR documentation can lead to audit flags.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all PVR measurements are documented with method.

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 Incomplete Bladder Emptying, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Incomplete Bladder Emptying

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Incomplete Bladder Emptying. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Urology Progress Note

Specialty: Urology

Required Elements

  • Subjective symptoms
  • Objective findings
  • PVR measurement
  • Assessment and plan

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has trouble emptying bladder.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports sensation of incomplete emptying after each void (8/10 severity). BladderScan® shows PVR 125 mL. No evidence of obstruction on uroflowmetry.
Explanation
The good example provides specific symptoms, PVR measurement, and absence of obstruction, supporting R39.14.

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