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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesQ55.0

Q55.0

Billable

Absence and aplasia of testis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 Q55.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of absence and aplasia of testis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Absence and aplasia of testis refers to a congenital condition where one or both testes are absent or underdeveloped. This condition can result from various developmental anomalies during fetal growth, leading to incomplete descent or formation of the testes. The absence of testis can be associated with other congenital malformations, such as hypospadias, cryptorchidism, and ambiguous genitalia. In cases of unilateral absence, the remaining testis may undergo compensatory hypertrophy. The condition can also be linked to chromosomal abnormalities, such as Turner syndrome or Klinefelter syndrome, which may present with additional systemic features. Diagnosis typically involves physical examination, imaging studies, and hormonal evaluations to assess the presence of testicular tissue and associated genital development. Early diagnosis and management are crucial for optimizing reproductive health and psychosocial outcomes in affected individuals.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in presentation (unilateral vs bilateral absence)
  • Association with other congenital anomalies
  • Need for genetic evaluation in some cases
  • Potential for hormonal therapy or surgical intervention

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of associated congenital anomalies
  • Failure to document genetic counseling or testing
  • Misclassification of the condition (e.g., coding as acquired rather than congenital)
  • Lack of clarity on the extent of testicular aplasia

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed physical examination findings, including genital examination and any associated anomalies.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Evaluation of a newborn with ambiguous genitalia or a child presenting with delayed puberty.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of psychosocial impacts and the need for multidisciplinary care.

Genetics

Documentation Requirements

Genetic testing results, family history of congenital conditions, and any syndromic associations.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Referral for genetic counseling due to suspected chromosomal abnormalities.

Billing Considerations

Understanding the implications of genetic findings on management and family planning.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Q55.0 When
  • Follow ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding congenital conditions, ensuring specificity in documentation and coding for associated anomalies
  • Use additional codes as necessary to capture the full clinical picture

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Q55.0 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

54660CPT Code

Orchidopexy

Clinical Scenario

Surgical intervention for undescended testis, which may be relevant in cases of cryptorchidism.

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Pediatric urology may be involved in the surgical management.

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 ability to capture the complexity of cases like absence and aplasia of testis.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital conditions, improving the ability to capture the complexity of cases like absence and aplasia of testis.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital conditions, improving the ability to capture the complexity of cases like absence and aplasia of testis.

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 absence of testis and cryptorchidism?

Absence of testis refers to the complete lack of testicular tissue, while cryptorchidism indicates that the testis is present but has not descended into the scrotum. Accurate coding requires clear documentation of the clinical findings.