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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN94.81

N94.81

Billable

Vulvodynia

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N94.81 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of vulvodynia.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Vulvodynia is a chronic pain condition characterized by discomfort or pain in the vulvar area, which can occur without an identifiable cause. This condition can significantly impact a woman's quality of life, affecting sexual function, emotional well-being, and daily activities. Vulvodynia may manifest as burning, stinging, irritation, or rawness in the vulvar region, and it can be classified into generalized vulvodynia, which affects the entire vulvar area, and localized vulvodynia, which is confined to specific areas. The etiology of vulvodynia is multifactorial, potentially involving hormonal changes, nerve injury, inflammation, or psychological factors. It is often associated with other conditions such as pelvic floor dysfunction, endometriosis, and interstitial cystitis. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical history, physical examination, and exclusion of other potential causes of vulvar pain. Treatment options may include topical anesthetics, physical therapy, counseling, and in some cases, surgical interventions. Given its chronic nature, vulvodynia requires a multidisciplinary approach for effective management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Varied presentation and symptoms among patients
  • Need for thorough differential diagnosis to rule out other conditions
  • Potential overlap with other gynecological disorders
  • Variability in treatment approaches and documentation requirements

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and treatment plans
  • Failure to document the exclusion of other conditions
  • Lack of patient history regarding previous treatments
  • Insufficient detail in clinical notes regarding the impact on daily life

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Gynecology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, symptom description, treatment plans, and follow-up notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic vulvar pain, discomfort during intercourse, or pain exacerbated by menstrual cycles.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must clearly differentiate vulvodynia from other gynecological conditions to avoid coding errors.

Pain Management

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive pain assessments, treatment response evaluations, and multidisciplinary care notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients referred for pain management due to vulvodynia-related discomfort affecting quality of life.

Billing Considerations

Coordination with gynecologists for comprehensive care and documentation of treatment efficacy.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N94.81 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, vulvodynia is classified under N94
  • Coders must ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation, including symptom descriptions and treatment plans

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N94.81 When
  • Exclusion criteria include other specified vulvar conditions that may present similarly

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used for follow-up visits for vulvodynia management.

Documentation Requirements

Document the patient's history, symptom progression, and treatment response.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the visit is clearly linked to vulvodynia management.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of vulvodynia, improving the ability to capture the complexity of the condition and its impact on women's health. This specificity aids in better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of vulvodynia, improving the ability to capture the complexity of the condition and its impact on women's health. This specificity aids in better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of vulvodynia, improving the ability to capture the complexity of the condition and its impact on women's health. This specificity aids in better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is vulvodynia?

Vulvodynia is a chronic pain condition affecting the vulvar area, characterized by discomfort or pain without an identifiable cause.

How is vulvodynia diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves a thorough clinical history, physical examination, and exclusion of other potential causes of vulvar pain.

What are the treatment options for vulvodynia?

Treatment may include topical anesthetics, physical therapy, counseling, and in some cases, surgical interventions.