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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR33.8

R33.8

Other retention of urine

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R33.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other retention of urine.

Key Diagnostic Point:

R33.8 refers to other forms of urinary retention that are not classified under more specific codes. Urinary retention is a condition characterized by the inability to completely empty the bladder, which can lead to discomfort, pain, and potential complications such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) or bladder damage. Symptoms may include a weak urine stream, difficulty starting urination, a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, and in severe cases, acute urinary retention, which is a medical emergency. Common causes of urinary retention include obstruction (e.g., benign prostatic hyperplasia in men), neurological disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis), medications (e.g., anticholinergics), and infections. The diagnostic approach typically involves a thorough patient history, physical examination, urinalysis, and possibly imaging studies or urodynamic testing to determine the underlying cause. Accurate coding requires careful documentation of the patient's symptoms, clinical findings, and any relevant diagnostic tests performed.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes leading to urinary retention.
  • Need for detailed documentation of symptoms and clinical findings.
  • Potential overlap with other urinary conditions.
  • Variability in presentation among different patient populations.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms leading to coding errors.
  • Misclassification of urinary retention types.
  • Failure to document underlying causes or contributing factors.
  • Inconsistent use of codes for similar conditions.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, including duration and severity of symptoms, and any previous treatments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic urinary retention due to benign prostatic hyperplasia or neurological disorders.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of comorbid conditions that may contribute to urinary retention.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute presentation details, including onset of symptoms and any immediate interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute urinary retention requiring catheterization or other urgent interventions.

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment and documentation of the patient's condition to ensure appropriate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R33.8 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the urinary retention is not classified elsewhere
  • Document the specific symptoms and any diagnostic tests performed to support the use of this code

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R33.8 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

51701CPT Code

Catheterization, bladder, for retention

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient presents with urinary retention requiring catheterization.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for catheterization and any complications.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine may require rapid documentation of the procedure.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of urinary retention, improving the ability to capture the nuances of this condition and its causes, which aids in better patient management and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of urinary retention, improving the ability to capture the nuances of this condition and its causes, which aids in better patient management and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of urinary retention, improving the ability to capture the nuances of this condition and its causes, which aids in better patient management and resource allocation.

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 are the common causes of urinary retention?

Common causes include obstruction (e.g., enlarged prostate), neurological disorders (e.g., spinal cord injury), medications (e.g., antihistamines), and infections.

How can urinary retention be diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a patient history, physical examination, urinalysis, and imaging studies to assess bladder function and identify any obstructions.