ICD-10 Coding for Urethral Stricture(N35.01, N35.02)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Urethral Stricture. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Urethral Stricture
N35.0-N35.9Primary Range
Urethral stricture
This range covers all types of urethral strictures, including post-traumatic, postinfective, and other specified types.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| N35.01 | Post-traumatic urethral stricture, male | Use for male patients with urethral stricture due to trauma. |
|
| N35.02 | Post-traumatic urethral stricture, female | Use for female patients with urethral stricture due to trauma or childbirth. |
|
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 urethral stricture
Essential facts and insights about Urethral Stricture
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for urethral stricture
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Patient has a history of pelvic trauma with confirmed urethral narrowing.
Applicable To
- Post-traumatic bulbous urethral stricture
Excludes
- Congenital urethral stricture (Q64.2)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- History of trauma
- Imaging showing urethral narrowing
Code-Specific Risks
- Misgendering the patient
- Not linking to trauma history
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies trauma as the cause.
N35.02 - Post-traumatic urethral stricture, female
Use for female patients with urethral stricture due to trauma or childbirth.
Applicable To
- Post-traumatic urethral stricture due to childbirth
Excludes
- Congenital urethral stricture (Q64.2)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- History of trauma or childbirth
- Imaging showing urethral narrowing
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies trauma or childbirth as the cause.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Urethral Stricture to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N35.01.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Thorough patient history, Detailed clinical documentation
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with specificity requirements., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation includes specific etiology and location.
Impact
High use of unspecified codes can trigger audits.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation supports specific code selection.
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 Urethral Stricture, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Urethral Stricture
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Urethral Stricture. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Post-traumatic urethral stricture
Specialty: UrologyRequired Elements
- History of trauma
- Imaging results
- Uroflowmetry data
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
Need help with ICD-10 coding for Urethral Stricture? Ask your questions below.