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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN21.8

N21.8

Billable

Other lower urinary tract calculus

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/18/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 N21.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other lower urinary tract calculus.

Key Diagnostic Point:

N21.8 refers to the presence of calculi (stones) located in the lower urinary tract, which includes the bladder and urethra. These calculi can result from various factors, including metabolic disorders, dietary habits, and dehydration. Symptoms often include hematuria (blood in urine), dysuria (painful urination), and urinary obstruction, which can lead to significant discomfort and complications if not treated. The management of lower urinary tract calculi may involve conservative measures such as increased fluid intake and dietary modifications, as well as more invasive procedures like lithotripsy or surgical stone removal. Lithotripsy utilizes shock waves to break stones into smaller pieces, facilitating their passage through the urinary tract. Surgical interventions may be necessary for larger stones or those causing severe obstruction. Understanding the underlying causes and appropriate treatment options is crucial for effective management and prevention of recurrence.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes for lower urinary tract calculi
  • Differentiation from other urinary tract conditions
  • Need for precise documentation of symptoms and treatment
  • Potential for multiple procedures related to stone management

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms leading to coding errors
  • Failure to specify the location of the calculus
  • Misclassification of the type of stone (e.g., struvite vs. calcium oxalate)
  • Inconsistent coding of related procedures

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, imaging results, and treatment plans must be documented.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with hematuria, flank pain, or urinary obstruction due to calculi.

Billing Considerations

Urologists must document the size, location, and composition of stones for accurate coding.

Nutrition

Documentation Requirements

Dietary assessments and recommendations for stone prevention must be included.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with recurrent stones requiring dietary modifications.

Billing Considerations

Nutritionists should document specific dietary changes and patient adherence.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N21.8 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the condition's specifics
  • Include details on the type of calculus and any associated complications

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N21.8 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

50590CPT Code

Lithotripsy, extracorporeal shock wave

Clinical Scenario

Used for patients with calculi requiring non-invasive treatment.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size and location of the stone, as well as the number of sessions.

Specialty Considerations

Urologists must ensure proper coding based on the type of lithotripsy performed.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of urinary tract conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking for lower urinary tract calculi.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of urinary tract conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking for lower urinary tract calculi.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of urinary tract conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking for lower urinary tract calculi.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Urological Association Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Urological Association Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of lower urinary tract calculi?

Common causes include dehydration, dietary factors (high oxalate or calcium intake), metabolic disorders, and urinary tract infections.

How are lower urinary tract calculi diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scans, along with urinalysis to assess for stone composition.

What treatments are available for lower urinary tract calculi?

Treatment options include increased fluid intake, dietary modifications, lithotripsy, and surgical removal of stones.