Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Testicular Swelling(N45.1, N43.0)

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

Also known as:

Scrotal SwellingTesticular Mass

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Testicular Swelling

N43-N50Primary Range

Disorders of male genital organs

This range includes codes for various conditions causing testicular swelling, such as hydrocele, epididymitis, and orchitis.

Benign and uncertain behavior neoplasms of male genital organs

This range includes codes for testicular masses of benign or uncertain behavior.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
N45.1EpididymitisUse when there is confirmed inflammation of the epididymis with supporting clinical and laboratory findings.
  • Tenderness on palpation of epididymis
  • Positive urine culture
N43.0Encysted hydroceleUse for non-infected fluid accumulation in the scrotum.
  • Transillumination test positive
  • Non-tender, fluctuant mass

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 testicular swelling

Essential facts and insights about Testicular Swelling

The ICD-10 code for testicular swelling depends on the specific condition, such as N45.1 for epididymitis or N43.0 for hydrocele.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for testicular swelling

Epididymitis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of epididymal tenderness and positive urine culture

Applicable To

  • Acute epididymitis
  • Chronic epididymitis

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Tenderness on palpation of epididymis
  • Positive urine culture

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as orchitis without proper differentiation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies epididymitis and not just general testicular swelling.

Ancillary Codes

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

Escherichia coli as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

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

Differential Codes

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

Orchitis

N44.1
Orchitis involves inflammation of the testis, often with systemic symptoms.

Testicular torsion

N44.5
Torsion presents with acute pain and absent blood flow on Doppler ultrasound.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Testicular Swelling to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N45.1.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment choices., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to lack of specificity.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document and code the causative organism when known., Use additional codes for infectious agents.

Impact

Reimbursement: May result in lower reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines for specificity., Data Quality: Decreases the accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use the specific code for the documented condition, such as N45.1 for epididymitis.

Impact

Risk of audits due to use of unspecified codes when specific conditions are documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports 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 Testicular Swelling, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Testicular Swelling

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

Acute epididymitis in a young adult

Specialty: Urology

Required Elements

  • Location and severity of tenderness
  • Urine culture results
  • Response to antibiotics

Example Documentation

Patient presents with acute left testicular pain. Exam reveals tenderness over the epididymis. Urine culture positive for E. coli. Started on ciprofloxacin.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Testicular swelling noted.
Good Documentation Example
Acute left epididymitis with tenderness and positive urine culture for E. coli.
Explanation
The good example provides specific findings and test results supporting the diagnosis.

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

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more