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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN39.0

N39.0

Billable

Urinary tract infection, site not specified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N39.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of urinary tract infection, site not specified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common infections that can affect any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. When the site of infection is not specified, it indicates a general UTI without localization to a specific anatomical region. Symptoms may include frequent urination, urgency, dysuria (painful urination), and lower abdominal discomfort. In some cases, UTIs can lead to more severe complications, such as pyelonephritis (kidney infection) or sepsis, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly or immunocompromised individuals. Diagnosis typically involves urinalysis and urine culture to identify the causative organism and determine appropriate antibiotic therapy. Treatment usually consists of a course of antibiotics, with the choice of medication guided by culture results and local resistance patterns. It is essential for healthcare providers to document the patient's symptoms, laboratory findings, and treatment response to ensure accurate coding and billing.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in symptoms and presentation of UTIs.
  • Need for precise documentation of symptoms and lab results.
  • Differentiation from other urinary disorders like urethritis or cystitis.
  • Potential for co-existing conditions that may complicate diagnosis.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and treatment.
  • Failure to specify the site of infection when applicable.
  • Inconsistent coding practices among different providers.
  • Misinterpretation of lab results leading to incorrect coding.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, physical examination findings, and results of urinalysis and cultures.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with recurrent UTIs, complications from urinary tract anomalies, or post-surgical infections.

Billing Considerations

Urologists must document any anatomical abnormalities or previous interventions that may contribute to UTI risk.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive documentation of symptoms, treatment plans, and follow-up care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute onset of UTI symptoms, especially in women of childbearing age.

Billing Considerations

Primary care providers should be aware of antibiotic stewardship principles to avoid overprescribing.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N39.0 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, N39
  • 0 should be used when the urinary tract infection is confirmed but the specific site is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any related symptoms or findings are included

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N39.0 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

87086CPT Code

Urine culture, bacterial

Clinical Scenario

Used to confirm the diagnosis of UTI.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the culture and any prior treatments.

Specialty Considerations

Urologists may order cultures more frequently for recurrent infections.

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 infections, improving the ability to track and analyze UTI-related data. However, the general nature of N39.0 can lead to challenges in justifying treatment and understanding patient outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of urinary tract infections, improving the ability to track and analyze UTI-related data. However, the general nature of N39.0 can lead to challenges in justifying treatment and understanding patient outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of urinary tract infections, improving the ability to track and analyze UTI-related data. However, the general nature of N39.0 can lead to challenges in justifying treatment and understanding patient outcomes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I document to support the use of N39.0?

Document all relevant symptoms, urinalysis results, and any treatments provided. Ensure that the diagnosis is clearly stated and supported by the clinical findings.