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ICD-10 Coding for Urinary Hesitancy(R39.11)

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

Also known as:

Hesitancy of MicturitionDifficulty Starting Urination

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Urinary Hesitancy

R39.1Primary Range

Other symptoms and signs involving the urinary system

This range includes codes for urinary hesitancy and related symptoms.

Retention of urine

This range includes codes for urinary retention, which may be considered in differential diagnosis.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for urinary hesitancy

Essential facts and insights about Urinary Hesitancy

The ICD-10 code for urinary hesitancy is R39.11, used for symptoms like difficulty starting urination.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for urinary hesitancy

Hesitancy of micturition
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient reports delay in initiating urination

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation includes specific terms like 'delay in initiating urination'

Applicable To

  • Difficulty starting urination
  • Delay in initiating voiding

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Patient reports delay in initiating urination
  • Uroflowmetry shows prolonged initiation time
  • Post-void residual (PVR) <100mL

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusing with urinary retention codes
  • Not documenting the delay duration

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'hesitancy' and includes duration and associated symptoms.

Ancillary Codes

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

Enlarged prostate with lower urinary tract symptoms

N40.1
Use when BPH is the underlying cause of hesitancy.

Differential Codes

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

Other retention of urine

R33.8
Use when PVR >300mL indicating retention rather than hesitancy.

Unspecified retention of urine

R33.9
Use when retention is present but not specified.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Urinary Hesitancy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R39.11.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to incorrect diagnosis and treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific terms like 'hesitancy' and document duration., Include relevant test results.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Code the causal condition (e.g., N40.1) first, then R39.11.

Impact

Failure to code the causal condition first.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coders on sequencing rules and provide examples.

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

Documentation Templates for Urinary Hesitancy

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

Primary Care Evaluation

Specialty: Urology

Required Elements

  • Chief complaint of hesitancy
  • Duration and frequency of symptoms
  • Associated symptoms like straining
  • Physical exam findings
  • Uroflowmetry results

Example Documentation

Patient reports 15-30 second delay in starting urination x 3 months, worsening at night. Digital rectal exam reveals enlarged prostate (Grade II). Post-void residual (PVR): 75mL. Plan: Uroflowmetry ordered.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Urinary issues. Refer to urology.
Good Documentation Example
Pt describes 25-second delay initiating urination x 4 months, requiring Valsalva. DRE: Prostate 40g, smooth. PVR 50mL. Assess R39.11, rule out BPH.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the delay and associated findings, supporting the use of R39.11.

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

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