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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesQ55.5

Q55.5

Billable

Congenital absence and aplasia of penis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 Q55.5 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of congenital absence and aplasia of penis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Congenital absence and aplasia of the penis, classified under Q55.5, refers to a condition where the penis is either partially or completely absent at birth. This condition can occur as an isolated anomaly or as part of a syndrome involving other congenital malformations. The absence of the penis can be associated with other genital anomalies such as hypospadias, cryptorchidism, or ambiguous genitalia. In some cases, it may be linked to chromosomal abnormalities, such as Turner syndrome or Klinefelter syndrome, which can affect sexual development. Diagnosis typically involves physical examination and may require imaging studies to assess the presence of other genital structures. Management may include surgical intervention, hormonal therapy, and psychological support, particularly as the child approaches puberty. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate treatment planning and insurance reimbursement, as well as for tracking the incidence of such congenital conditions in the pediatric population.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in presentation and associated anomalies
  • Need for thorough documentation of associated conditions
  • Potential for misclassification with other genital anomalies
  • Requirement for multidisciplinary approach in management

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of associated congenital anomalies
  • Failure to specify the type of congenital absence
  • Misuse of codes for ambiguous genitalia
  • Inconsistent coding across different healthcare providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Pediatric documentation must include detailed physical examination findings, family history, and any associated congenital anomalies. Growth and development assessments are also crucial.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include newborns presenting with absent or malformed genitalia, cases of hypospadias, and referrals for surgical correction.

Billing Considerations

Coders should be aware of the psychosocial implications of genital anomalies and ensure that documentation reflects the comprehensive care provided.

Genetics

Documentation Requirements

Genetic documentation should include family history of congenital anomalies, results of genetic testing, and any syndromic associations.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Scenarios may involve genetic counseling for families with a history of congenital genital anomalies or syndromes associated with genital malformations.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of chromosomal abnormalities is essential, as conditions like Turner syndrome may present with genital anomalies.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Q55.5 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, congenital conditions should be coded based on the specific anatomical and physiological anomalies present
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and any associated conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Q55.5 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

54340CPT Code

Penile reconstruction

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases of congenital absence or severe hypospadias.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative report and pre-operative assessment.

Specialty Considerations

Pediatric urologists should document the rationale for surgical intervention.

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 data collection and reimbursement processes for congenital anomalies.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital conditions, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes for congenital anomalies.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes for congenital anomalies.

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 Q55.5 and Q55.0?

Q55.5 refers specifically to congenital absence and aplasia of the penis, while Q55.0 is used for cases of complete absence without aplasia. Accurate documentation is crucial to differentiate between these conditions.