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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN81.12

N81.12

Billable

Cystocele, lateral

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N81.12 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of cystocele, lateral.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A lateral cystocele is a type of pelvic organ prolapse where the bladder bulges into the anterior wall of the vagina, specifically towards one side. This condition often arises due to weakened pelvic support structures, which can be exacerbated by factors such as childbirth, aging, obesity, and chronic cough. Patients may present with symptoms including urinary incontinence, a sensation of pressure or fullness in the pelvic area, and difficulty emptying the bladder completely. In some cases, a lateral cystocele may coexist with other pelvic floor disorders, such as rectocele or uterine prolapse. The diagnosis is typically made through a physical examination, where the clinician may observe the bulge during a cough or Valsalva maneuver. Treatment options vary from conservative management, such as pelvic floor exercises and pessary use, to surgical interventions aimed at restoring normal anatomy and function. Understanding the interplay between cystocele and other conditions like endometriosis, ovarian disorders, and female genital tract polyps is crucial, as these may influence treatment decisions and outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between lateral and other types of cystoceles.
  • Understanding associated conditions like endometriosis and pelvic organ prolapse.
  • Documenting the severity and symptoms accurately.
  • Navigating the overlap with other ICD-10 codes related to pelvic disorders.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and severity.
  • Failure to link the diagnosis with appropriate procedures.
  • Misclassification of the type of cystocele.
  • Inconsistent use of related codes for coexisting conditions.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, physical examination findings, and any imaging studies.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with urinary incontinence or pelvic pressure.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of bladder function tests and potential surgical interventions.

Gynecology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive pelvic examination findings and assessment of associated gynecological conditions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Women with pelvic organ prolapse and associated symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Documentation of any concurrent gynecological issues such as endometriosis or fibroids.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N81.12 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the condition's specifics
  • Include any relevant coexisting conditions and symptoms to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N81.12 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

57260CPT Code

Surgical repair of cystocele

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is performed for cystocele repair.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Urology or gynecology specialists should document the surgical approach and any complications.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding conditions like cystocele, enabling better tracking of prevalence and treatment outcomes. This specificity aids in research and quality improvement initiatives.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding conditions like cystocele, enabling better tracking of prevalence and treatment outcomes. This specificity aids in research and quality improvement initiatives.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding conditions like cystocele, enabling better tracking of prevalence and treatment outcomes. This specificity aids in research and quality improvement initiatives.

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 difference between a lateral cystocele and other types?

A lateral cystocele specifically refers to the bulging of the bladder into the vaginal wall on one side, whereas other types may involve the anterior wall without lateral specificity.