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

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

Also known as:

Feeling of Incomplete Bladder EmptyingUrinary Retention

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Incomplete Emptying of Bladder

R33-R39Primary Range

Other and unspecified retention of urine

This range includes codes for various types of urinary retention, including incomplete bladder emptying.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
R33.8Other retention of urineUse when there is objective evidence of urine retention without a neurological cause.
  • Post-void residual (PVR) ≥200 mL
  • Bladder scan or catheterization results
R39.14Feeling of incomplete bladder emptyingUse when the patient reports a sensation of incomplete emptying without objective findings.
  • Patient reports sensation without measurable retention

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 Emptying of Bladder

The ICD-10 code for incomplete bladder emptying with objective retention is R33.8, while R39.14 is used for the sensation of incomplete emptying without measurable retention.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for incomplete emptying of bladder

Other retention of urine
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • PVR measurement ≥200 mL

documentation Criteria

  • Objective evidence of retention

Applicable To

  • Incomplete bladder emptying with objective retention

Excludes

  • Neurogenic bladder (N31.9)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Post-void residual (PVR) ≥200 mL
  • Bladder scan or catheterization results

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with R39.14 if documentation is unclear

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies objective retention to avoid misuse of R39.14.

Ancillary Codes

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

Benign prostatic hyperplasia with lower urinary tract symptoms

N40.1
Use when BPH is the underlying cause of retention.

Differential Codes

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

Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying

R39.14
Use R39.14 for subjective sensation without objective retention.

Other retention of urine

R33.8
Use R33.8 for objective retention with measurable PVR.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Incomplete Emptying of Bladder to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R33.8.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to incorrect treatment plans., Regulatory: May result in audit findings., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure PVR is documented before coding., Educate staff on the importance of objective measurements.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to claim denials., Compliance: Misclassification may result in compliance issues., Data Quality: Affects accuracy of patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify documentation specifies whether retention is subjective or objective.

Impact

High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used without justification.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document specific findings and use the most specific code available.

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

Documentation Templates for Incomplete Emptying of Bladder

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

Chronic incomplete bladder emptying

Specialty: Urology

Required Elements

  • Patient symptoms
  • PVR measurement
  • Underlying conditions

Example Documentation

Patient reports feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. PVR measured at 250 mL. No neurological cause identified.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has trouble emptying bladder.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. PVR measured at 250 mL.
Explanation
The good example provides specific symptoms and objective measurements.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Incomplete Emptying of Bladder? Ask your questions below.

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