ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC68.0

C68.0

Billable

Malignant neoplasm of urethra

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 C68.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of malignant neoplasm of urethra.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Malignant neoplasm of the urethra is a rare form of cancer that arises from the epithelial cells lining the urethra. This condition can manifest as either transitional cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or adenocarcinoma, with transitional cell carcinoma being the most common type. Symptoms may include hematuria (blood in urine), urinary obstruction, and changes in urinary habits. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scans, followed by cystoscopy and biopsy to confirm malignancy. Staging of urethral cancer is crucial for determining treatment options and prognosis, often utilizing the AJCC (American Joint Committee on Cancer) staging system, which considers tumor size, lymph node involvement, and distant metastasis. Surgical management may include partial or total urethrectomy, depending on the extent of the disease, and may be combined with radiation therapy or chemotherapy in advanced cases. Early detection and intervention are vital for improving outcomes in patients with urethral malignancies.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Rarity of the condition leading to limited coding experience
  • Variability in staging and treatment protocols
  • Need for precise documentation of tumor characteristics
  • Potential for multiple treatment modalities affecting coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of tumor type and stage
  • Failure to document treatment plans and outcomes
  • Misclassification of the neoplasm as benign
  • Lack of follow-up documentation post-surgery

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed pathology reports, imaging studies, and surgical notes are essential for accurate coding.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Diagnosis and management of urethral tumors, post-operative follow-up, and treatment planning.

Billing Considerations

Urologists must ensure comprehensive documentation of tumor characteristics and staging to support coding.

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Oncologists should provide detailed treatment plans, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of advanced urethral cancer, coordination of multi-disciplinary care, and palliative care considerations.

Billing Considerations

Oncologists must document the rationale for treatment choices and any clinical trials involved.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C68.0 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, C68
  • 0 should be used when the malignancy is confirmed through biopsy
  • It is important to document the specific type of cancer and any associated conditions
  • malignant conditions affecting the urethra

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C68.0 When
  • Exclusion criteria include benign neoplasms and non

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

55866CPT Code

Urethrectomy, partial or total

Clinical Scenario

Used in the surgical management of urethral malignancies.

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports detailing the extent of resection and any complications.

Specialty Considerations

Urologists must document the surgical approach and any adjunctive therapies.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of urethral malignancies, improving data accuracy and facilitating better tracking of treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of urethral malignancies, improving data accuracy and facilitating better tracking of treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Urological Association Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Urological Association Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of malignant neoplasm of the urethra?

Common symptoms include hematuria, urinary obstruction, and changes in urinary habits such as increased frequency or urgency.

How is malignant neoplasm of the urethra diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies, cystoscopy, and biopsy to confirm the presence of malignant cells.

What are the treatment options for urethral cancer?

Treatment options may include surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, depending on the stage and type of cancer.