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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN35.912

N35.912

Billable

Unspecified bulbous urethral stricture, male

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N35.912 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified bulbous urethral stricture, male.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Unspecified bulbous urethral stricture in males refers to a narrowing of the bulbous urethra, which is the section of the urethra located between the prostate and the penile urethra. This condition can lead to various urinary symptoms, including difficulty urinating, weak urine stream, and urinary retention. The stricture may result from various causes, including trauma, infection, or inflammation. Urethral strictures can be classified as either congenital or acquired, with acquired strictures being more common. In males, the bulbous urethra is particularly susceptible to injury due to its anatomical location. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of patient history, physical examination, and imaging studies such as retrograde urethrogram (RUG) or cystoscopy. Treatment options may include dilation, urethrotomy, or urethroplasty, depending on the severity and length of the stricture. Accurate coding is essential for proper management and reimbursement, as urethral strictures can significantly impact a patient's quality of life and may require ongoing medical intervention.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and symptoms
  • Need for precise anatomical localization
  • Differentiation from other urethral disorders
  • Potential for multiple underlying causes

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms
  • Failure to specify the location of the stricture
  • Lack of clarity on the treatment provided
  • Misclassification of the type of stricture

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, physical examination findings, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with urinary retention, recurrent urinary tract infections, or post-surgical complications.

Billing Considerations

Urologists must ensure that the documentation clearly indicates the nature of the stricture and any prior treatments.

Radiology

Documentation Requirements

Imaging reports detailing findings from retrograde urethrograms or cystoscopy.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Imaging studies performed to evaluate suspected urethral strictures.

Billing Considerations

Radiologists should provide clear descriptions of the stricture's location and characteristics.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N35.912 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the specific type of stricture is not documented
  • Include relevant clinical information to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N35.912 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

52310CPT Code

Cystourethroscopy, diagnostic

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate the urethra for strictures.

Documentation Requirements

Document indications for the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Urologists should ensure that the findings correlate with the diagnosis.

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, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. N35.912 provides a means to capture cases where the specific cause is not documented.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of urethral strictures, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. N35.912 provides a means to capture cases where the specific cause is not documented.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of urethral strictures, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. N35.912 provides a means to capture cases where the specific cause is not documented.

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 significance of coding N35.912?

Coding N35.912 accurately reflects the diagnosis of an unspecified bulbous urethral stricture, which is essential for appropriate treatment planning and reimbursement.