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ICD-10 Coding for Pyuria(R82.81)

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

Also known as:

White blood cells in urineLeukocyturia

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Pyuria

R82-R82.8Primary Range

Abnormal findings on examination of urine, without diagnosis

This range includes codes for abnormal urine findings, with R82.81 specifically for pyuria.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for pyuria

Essential facts and insights about Pyuria

The ICD-10 code for pyuria is R82.81, indicating white blood cells in urine without infection.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for pyuria

Pyuria
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of ≥10 WBCs/mm³ in urine

coding Criteria

  • No underlying infection or condition identified

Applicable To

  • Presence of white blood cells in urine

Excludes

  • Urinary tract infection (N39.0)
  • Neonatal pyuria (P39.3)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Urinalysis showing ≥10 WBCs/mm³
  • Negative urine culture for sterile pyuria

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using as primary code when UTI is present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the presence of pyuria and any related conditions.

Ancillary Codes

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

Escherichia coli [E. coli] as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

B96.2
Use when E. coli is identified as the causative agent in pyuria.

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 when pyuria is due to a UTI.

Neonatal pyuria

P39.3
Use P39.3 for pyuria in neonates.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Pyuria to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R82.81.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate clinical assessment, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure lab results are included in the patient's record, Verify documentation before coding

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment may affect reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use N39.0 as primary and R82.81 as secondary.

Impact

Using R82.81 as primary when an underlying condition is present.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coders on proper sequencing rules.

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

Documentation Templates for Pyuria

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

UTI with Pyuria

Specialty: Urology

Required Elements

  • Symptoms of UTI
  • Urinalysis results
  • Culture findings
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with dysuria and urgency. Urinalysis shows 15 WBCs/mm³. Culture positive for E. coli. Diagnosis: UTI with pyuria. Start antibiotics.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
UTI present.
Good Documentation Example
Acute cystitis with pyuria (≥10 WBCs/mm³), positive for E. coli on urine culture.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the infection site and causative agent.

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

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