ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN48.30

N48.30

Billable

Priapism, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N48.30 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of priapism, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Priapism is a prolonged and often painful erection that lasts for more than four hours and occurs without sexual stimulation. It can be classified into two main types: ischemic (low-flow) and non-ischemic (high-flow). Ischemic priapism is a medical emergency that can lead to tissue damage and erectile dysfunction if not treated promptly. Non-ischemic priapism is usually less severe and often results from trauma or vascular malformations. The condition can be associated with various underlying disorders, including hematological conditions like sickle cell disease, neurological disorders, and certain medications. In the context of male reproductive health, priapism can complicate conditions such as hydrocele, orchitis, and male infertility, as it may affect blood flow and tissue health in the genital area. Effective management requires a thorough understanding of the underlying causes and may involve urological interventions, medication, or surgical procedures. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate treatment and reimbursement, as well as for tracking the incidence and outcomes of this condition in clinical practice.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes that can lead to priapism.
  • Differentiation between ischemic and non-ischemic types.
  • Potential overlap with other urological conditions.
  • Need for detailed clinical documentation to support diagnosis.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the duration and type of priapism.
  • Failure to specify underlying conditions contributing to priapism.
  • Misclassification of ischemic versus non-ischemic priapism.
  • Lack of follow-up documentation regarding treatment outcomes.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, including duration of symptoms, associated conditions, and treatment interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with prolonged erections, often following trauma or as a complication of sickle cell disease.

Billing Considerations

Urologists must differentiate between types of priapism and document any associated conditions to ensure accurate coding.

Hematology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of hematological disorders that may contribute to priapism, including lab results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with sickle cell disease experiencing episodes of priapism.

Billing Considerations

Hematologists should document the relationship between blood disorders and priapism to support coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N48.30 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, priapism is coded based on the type and underlying cause
  • 30 is used when the type is unspecified
  • Coders should ensure that documentation supports the diagnosis and any associated conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N48.30 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

54150CPT Code

Aspiration of corpora cavernosa

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases of ischemic priapism to relieve symptoms.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for aspiration and any complications.

Specialty Considerations

Urologists should ensure that the procedure is well-documented to support 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 priapism, enabling better tracking of the condition and its management. N48.30 provides a broad category for unspecified cases, which can help in identifying trends in clinical practice.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of priapism, enabling better tracking of the condition and its management. N48.30 provides a broad category for unspecified cases, which can help in identifying trends in clinical practice.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of priapism, enabling better tracking of the condition and its management. N48.30 provides a broad category for unspecified cases, which can help in identifying trends in clinical practice.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Urological Association Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Urological Association Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ischemic and non-ischemic priapism?

Ischemic priapism is a medical emergency characterized by low blood flow to the penis, leading to pain and potential tissue damage. Non-ischemic priapism involves high blood flow and is usually less severe, often resulting from trauma.