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 CodesQ53.13

Q53.13

Billable

Unilateral high scrotal testis

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 Q53.13 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unilateral high scrotal testis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Unilateral high scrotal testis, also known as high scrotal cryptorchidism, is a congenital condition where one testis fails to descend into the scrotum and remains positioned high within the scrotal sac. This condition is typically diagnosed during a physical examination in infancy or early childhood. The undescended testis may be palpable in the inguinal canal or may be located in a high scrotal position. The etiology of this condition can be multifactorial, including genetic predispositions, hormonal influences, and environmental factors. If left untreated, unilateral high scrotal testis can lead to complications such as infertility, testicular torsion, and an increased risk of testicular cancer. Surgical intervention, typically through orchidopexy, is often recommended to reposition the testis into the scrotum, ideally before the child reaches one year of age to optimize fertility outcomes and minimize malignancy risks. Accurate coding of this condition is essential for proper treatment planning and insurance reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and diagnosis timing
  • Differentiation from other forms of cryptorchidism
  • Need for precise documentation of surgical interventions
  • Potential for associated anomalies requiring additional coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of testis location and surgical details
  • Failure to document associated congenital anomalies
  • Incorrect coding of the procedure performed
  • Misclassification of the condition as bilateral when unilateral is present

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed physical examination findings, including testis location and any associated anomalies.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Infants presenting with undescended testis during routine check-ups or referrals for surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of the child's age and development stage when planning surgical intervention.

Genetics

Documentation Requirements

Family history of cryptorchidism or other congenital anomalies, genetic testing results if applicable.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Cases where cryptorchidism is part of a syndrome or associated with chromosomal abnormalities.

Billing Considerations

Assessment of genetic syndromes that may predispose to cryptorchidism, such as Klinefelter syndrome.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Q53.13 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines for congenital conditions, ensuring accurate documentation of the condition's specifics, including laterality and associated anomalies

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Q53.13 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

54640CPT Code

Orchidopexy

Clinical Scenario

Performed to correct undescended testis.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Pediatric urologists typically perform this procedure.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment planning.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment planning.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment planning.

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 significance of coding Q53.13 accurately?

Accurate coding of Q53.13 is crucial for ensuring appropriate treatment planning, surgical intervention, and insurance reimbursement. It also helps in tracking congenital conditions for epidemiological studies and improving patient outcomes.