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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR39.13

R39.13

Splitting of urinary stream

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R39.13 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of splitting of urinary stream.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Splitting of urinary stream refers to a clinical symptom where the urinary stream diverges into two or more streams during urination. This phenomenon can be indicative of underlying urological conditions, such as urethral stricture, prostatic enlargement, or bladder dysfunction. Patients may describe the experience as a 'forking' of the urine stream, which can lead to difficulties in urination, incomplete bladder emptying, and increased urinary frequency or urgency. The symptom may be accompanied by other urinary complaints, such as dysuria or hematuria, and can significantly impact the quality of life. It is essential for healthcare providers to conduct a thorough evaluation, including a detailed history and physical examination, to determine the underlying cause of the splitting stream, which may involve imaging studies or urodynamic testing. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management and treatment of the underlying condition.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in patient presentation and underlying causes
  • Need for comprehensive documentation to support the diagnosis
  • Potential overlap with other urinary symptoms requiring careful differentiation
  • Variations in clinical guidelines across specialties

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the symptom's clinical significance
  • Failure to link the symptom to an underlying diagnosis
  • Misuse of the code in the absence of a clear clinical picture
  • Inconsistent coding practices across different providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of urinary symptoms, physical examination findings, and any relevant diagnostic tests.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with urinary complaints, including splitting of stream, may have concurrent conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of comorbidities that may affect urinary function, such as neurological disorders.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute assessment of urinary symptoms, including onset, duration, and associated symptoms.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute urinary retention or severe dysuria may report splitting of stream.

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment and intervention may be necessary, requiring clear documentation of findings and interventions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R39.13 When
  • Coders should refer to the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the symptom is documented clearly and linked to an appropriate diagnosis
  • The symptom should not be coded in isolation without supporting clinical information

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R39.13 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

51798CPT Code

Urodynamics

Clinical Scenario

Used when evaluating urinary symptoms including splitting of stream.

Documentation Requirements

Document indications for urodynamics and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Urology specialists often perform 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 urinary symptoms, including splitting of urinary stream, which enhances the ability to capture the complexity of urological conditions.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of urinary symptoms, including splitting of urinary stream, which enhances the ability to capture the complexity of urological conditions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of urinary symptoms, including splitting of urinary stream, which enhances the ability to capture the complexity of urological conditions.

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 splitting of urinary stream?

Splitting of urinary stream can indicate underlying urological issues such as urethral stricture or prostatic enlargement, necessitating further evaluation and management.