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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR39.15

R39.15

Urgency of urination

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R39.15 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of urgency of urination.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Urgency of urination is characterized by a sudden, compelling need to urinate that is difficult to defer. This symptom can be associated with various underlying conditions, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder irritability, neurological disorders, and prostate issues in men. Patients may experience this urgency alongside other symptoms such as frequency of urination, nocturia, and dysuria. The urgency can lead to significant distress and impact daily activities, often resulting in anxiety or embarrassment. In clinical practice, it is essential to assess the duration, severity, and associated symptoms to determine the underlying cause. Diagnostic approaches may include urinalysis, urine culture, imaging studies, and urodynamic testing to evaluate bladder function. Understanding the clinical context and potential causes is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes (e.g., infections, neurological disorders)
  • Overlap with other urinary symptoms (e.g., frequency, incontinence)
  • Need for comprehensive patient history and symptom assessment
  • Potential for misdiagnosis if not thoroughly evaluated

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the urgency's duration and severity
  • Failure to document associated symptoms or conditions
  • Misuse of the code when urgency is secondary to another diagnosis
  • Inconsistent coding practices across providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, including onset, duration, and associated symptoms.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with urgency due to UTIs or benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Billing Considerations

Consider comorbidities that may contribute to urgency, such as diabetes or neurological disorders.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute assessment of urgency, including vital signs and immediate lab results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute urinary retention or severe UTI symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Rapid evaluation of potential life-threatening conditions that may present with urgency.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R39.15 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding symptoms and signs
  • Ensure that the urgency is not coded if it is a manifestation of a more specific diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R39.15 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

51798CPT Code

Urodynamics, complex

Clinical Scenario

Used when evaluating bladder function in patients with urgency.

Documentation Requirements

Document indications for urodynamic testing 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 symptoms like urgency of urination, improving data accuracy and patient care tracking.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of symptoms like urgency of urination, improving data accuracy and patient care tracking.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of symptoms like urgency of urination, improving data accuracy and patient care tracking.

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 R39.15?

Document the onset, duration, severity, and any associated symptoms of urgency, as well as any relevant medical history.