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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN35.0

N35.0

Billable

Post-traumatic urethral stricture

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N35.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of post-traumatic urethral stricture.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Post-traumatic urethral stricture refers to a narrowing of the urethra that occurs as a result of trauma, which may be due to direct injury, surgical procedures, or other mechanical forces. This condition can lead to significant urinary symptoms, including difficulty urinating, urinary retention, and recurrent urinary tract infections. The stricture may develop as scar tissue forms in the urethra following the initial injury, leading to a reduction in the urethral lumen. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of patient history, physical examination, and imaging studies such as retrograde urethrograms or cystoscopy. Treatment options vary based on the severity of the stricture and may include dilation, urethrotomy, or surgical reconstruction. It is essential for healthcare providers to document the cause of the stricture accurately, as this can influence treatment decisions and coding accuracy.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between traumatic and non-traumatic causes of urethral stricture.
  • Need for detailed documentation of the mechanism of injury.
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on stricture location and severity.
  • Potential for co-existing urinary tract infections or other urinary disorders.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the traumatic event leading to the stricture.
  • Failure to document associated urinary symptoms.
  • Misclassification of the stricture type (e.g., traumatic vs. congenital).
  • Lack of follow-up documentation regarding treatment outcomes.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of the traumatic event, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with urinary retention following pelvic trauma or post-surgical complications.

Billing Considerations

Urologists must ensure that the cause of the stricture is clearly documented to support the diagnosis.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Immediate assessment of trauma, including mechanism of injury and initial management.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute urinary retention following trauma or surgical procedures.

Billing Considerations

Emergency physicians should document the patient's vital signs and any interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N35.0 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, N35
  • 0 should be used when the urethral stricture is specifically due to trauma
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any associated conditions are also coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N35.0 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

52310CPT Code

Cystourethroscopy with dilation

Clinical Scenario

Used for patients with diagnosed urethral stricture.

Documentation Requirements

Document the findings during cystoscopy and the extent of dilation performed.

Specialty Considerations

Urologists should ensure that the procedure is clearly linked to the diagnosis of post-traumatic urethral stricture.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of urethral strictures, including the ability to differentiate between traumatic and non-traumatic causes, which enhances the accuracy of patient records and treatment plans.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of urethral strictures, including the ability to differentiate between traumatic and non-traumatic causes, which enhances the accuracy of patient records and treatment plans.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary cause of post-traumatic urethral stricture?

The primary cause is trauma to the urethra, which can occur from accidents, surgical procedures, or other mechanical injuries.