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ICD-10 Coding for Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection, Unspecified(N39.0)

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

Also known as:

Recurrent UTI, UnspecifiedChronic UTI, Unspecified

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection, Unspecified

N30-N39Primary Range

Other diseases of the urinary system

This range includes codes for urinary tract infections and related conditions.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for recurrent urinary tract infection unspecified

Essential facts and insights about Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection, Unspecified

The ICD-10 code for recurrent urinary tract infection unspecified is N39.0, used when the site is not specified and symptoms are present.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for recurrent urinary tract infection unspecified

Urinary tract infection, site not specified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of UTI symptoms and positive culture

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of 'recurrent UTI' in the medical record

Applicable To

  • Recurrent urinary tract infection without specified site

Excludes

  • Cystitis (N30.-)
  • Pyelonephritis (N10)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Presence of symptoms such as dysuria, frequency, urgency
  • Positive urine culture with ≥10^5 CFU/mL

Code-Specific Risks

  • Avoid using for asymptomatic bacteriuria
  • Do not use if a specific site is documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'recurrent' and includes culture results.

Ancillary Codes

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

Personal history of urinary tract infections

Z87.440
Use when documenting a history of UTIs without current symptoms.

Differential Codes

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

Chronic cystitis, unspecified

N30.90
Use when chronic cystitis is documented with a duration of more than 3 months.

Acute pyelonephritis

N10
Use when there is flank pain, fever >38°C, and WBC casts.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection, Unspecified to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N39.0.

Impact

Clinical: Misrepresentation of patient condition, Regulatory: Potential audit issues, Financial: Claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Verify symptom documentation, Ensure culture results are recorded

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use R82.71 for bacteriuria without symptoms.

Impact

Lack of specific symptom documentation can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement thorough documentation practices.

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

Documentation Templates for Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection, Unspecified

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

Primary Care Visit for Recurrent UTI

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • Symptom duration
  • Culture results
  • Previous UTI episodes

Example Documentation

Assessment: Recurrent UTI (N39.0) - 3rd episode in 2025. Symptoms: Dysuria, urgency ×2 days. Labs: Urine culture 3/28/25: E. coli ≥10^5 CFU/mL. Plan: Nitrofurantoin 100mg BID ×7 days.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has recurrent UTIs.
Good Documentation Example
Patient presents with recurrent UTIs, currently symptomatic with dysuria and frequency; urine culture positive for E. coli.
Explanation
The good example includes specific symptoms and culture results, meeting documentation requirements.

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