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ICD-10 Coding for Scrotal Abscess(N49.2)

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

Also known as:

Scrotal Wall AbscessInflammatory Disorder of Scrotum

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Scrotal Abscess

N40-N51Primary Range

Diseases of male genital organs

This range includes codes for inflammatory disorders of the male genital organs, including scrotal abscess.

Bacterial and viral infectious agents

These codes are used to identify infectious agents related to the scrotal abscess.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for scrotal abscess

Essential facts and insights about Scrotal Abscess

The ICD-10 code for scrotal abscess is N49.2, used for inflammatory disorders of the scrotum.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for scrotal abscess

Inflammatory disorders of scrotum
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of fluctuance and purulent drainage

documentation Criteria

  • Ultrasound confirmation of fluid collection

Applicable To

  • Abscess of scrotum
  • Cellulitis of scrotum

Excludes

  • Testicular abscess (N45.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Fluctuance and erythema present
  • Purulent drainage observed
  • Ultrasound showing fluid collection

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusing with testicular abscess
  • Omitting documentation of abscess characteristics

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the location and characteristics of the abscess.

Ancillary Codes

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

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

B95.62
Use when MRSA is identified as the causative organism.

Differential Codes

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

Torsion of testis

N44.0
Sudden-onset pain with absent cremasteric reflex and Doppler showing reduced blood flow.

Epididymo-orchitis

N45.9
Tender epididymis/testis with dysuria and urinalysis showing pyuria.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Scrotal Abscess to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N49.2.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific terminology, Include all relevant clinical findings

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Confirm the anatomical layer involved and use N49.2 for scrotal wall abscess.

Impact

Lack of specific details in documentation may lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation includes specific details about the abscess.

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

Documentation Templates for Scrotal Abscess

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

Scrotal Abscess in Urology Clinic

Specialty: Urology

Required Elements

  • Patient history and symptoms
  • Physical examination findings
  • Imaging results
  • Procedure details

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a 3 cm fluctuant abscess on the left scrotal wall. Ultrasound confirms a 2.8 cm fluid collection. Incision and drainage performed, yielding purulent material.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Scrotal infection noted.
Good Documentation Example
3 cm fluctuant abscess with purulent drainage on left scrotal wall, confirmed by ultrasound.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the abscess, including size, location, and confirmation by imaging.

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

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