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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN36.44

N36.44

Billable

Muscular disorders of urethra

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N36.44 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of muscular disorders of urethra.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Muscular disorders of the urethra encompass a range of conditions that affect the muscular function and structural integrity of the urethra, which is the duct through which urine is discharged from the bladder. These disorders can lead to significant urinary symptoms, including dysuria (painful urination), urinary retention, and incontinence. Urethritis, an inflammation of the urethra, is often caused by infections, which can lead to muscular dysfunction. Urethral strictures, characterized by narrowing of the urethra due to scar tissue, can also impede normal urinary flow and cause muscular disorders. Other urinary system disorders classified elsewhere may contribute to or exacerbate these muscular issues, such as neurological conditions affecting bladder control. Accurate diagnosis often requires a combination of patient history, physical examination, and diagnostic imaging or urodynamic studies to assess the functional status of the urethra and surrounding structures. Treatment may involve medication, surgical intervention, or physical therapy aimed at restoring normal function and alleviating symptoms.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes (e.g., infections, trauma, congenital anomalies)
  • Overlap with other urinary disorders (e.g., urethritis, strictures)
  • Need for comprehensive documentation to support diagnosis
  • Potential for multiple co-existing conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings
  • Failure to specify the type of muscular disorder
  • Misclassification of related urinary disorders
  • Lack of supporting diagnostic tests

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Urology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with urinary incontinence, dysuria, or urinary retention due to muscular dysfunction.

Billing Considerations

Urologists must ensure that all relevant symptoms and diagnostic tests are documented to support the use of N36.44.

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Neurological assessments, imaging studies, and evaluations of bladder function.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with neurological conditions affecting bladder control leading to muscular disorders of the urethra.

Billing Considerations

Neurologists should document the relationship between neurological conditions and urinary symptoms to justify the use of this code.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N36.44 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, N36
  • 44 should be used when there is clear documentation of muscular dysfunction of the urethra
  • It is important to differentiate this condition from other urinary disorders and ensure that all relevant clinical information is included

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N36.44 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

51798CPT Code

Urodynamics

Clinical Scenario

Used to assess bladder and urethral function in patients with suspected muscular disorders.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed report of urodynamic findings and interpretation.

Specialty Considerations

Urologists should ensure that the urodynamic study correlates with the diagnosis of muscular disorders.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of muscular disorders of the urethra, improving the ability to capture the complexity of these conditions and their impact on patient care.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of muscular disorders of the urethra, improving the ability to capture the complexity of these conditions and their impact on patient care.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of muscular disorders of the urethra, improving the ability to capture the complexity of these conditions and their impact on patient care.

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 are the common symptoms associated with muscular disorders of the urethra?

Common symptoms include urinary incontinence, dysuria, urinary retention, and frequent urination. Patients may also report pain during urination or a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying.