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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR36.0

R36.0

Urethral discharge without blood

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R36.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of urethral discharge without blood.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Urethral discharge without blood (R36.0) refers to the abnormal secretion from the urethra that is not accompanied by blood. This symptom can be indicative of various underlying conditions, including infections, inflammation, or other urogenital disorders. Common causes include sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, non-specific urethritis, and prostatitis. Patients may present with additional symptoms such as dysuria (painful urination), increased urinary frequency, or discomfort in the genital area. Laboratory findings may include the presence of leukocytes or bacteria in urine or urethral swabs, which can help in diagnosing the underlying cause. Accurate documentation of the characteristics of the discharge (e.g., color, consistency, odor) and associated symptoms is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment planning.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential underlying causes
  • Need for precise documentation of symptoms
  • Differentiation from other similar codes
  • Potential overlap with sexually transmitted infections

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms
  • Failure to specify the cause of discharge
  • Misuse of related codes
  • Inconsistent coding practices across providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, including sexual history, and physical examination findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with urethral discharge during routine check-ups or after unprotected sexual encounters.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of co-existing conditions such as urinary tract infections or prostatitis.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care notes, including vital signs and immediate assessment findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute urethral discharge and associated symptoms like fever or severe pain.

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment and potential need for immediate treatment or referral.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R36.0 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the discharge is confirmed to be without blood and that the underlying cause is documented when known

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R36.0 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

87491CPT Code

Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae nucleic acid detection

Clinical Scenario

Used when testing for STIs in patients presenting with urethral discharge.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for testing and any associated symptoms.

Specialty Considerations

Internal medicine and infectious disease specialists may frequently order these tests.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of symptoms like urethral discharge, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of symptoms like urethral discharge, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and compliance.

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 should I document to support the use of R36.0?

Document the characteristics of the discharge, any associated symptoms, and the results of any diagnostic tests performed.