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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
DiagnosesHydroureter

Hydroureter

ICD-10 Coding for Hydroureter(N13.4, N13.2)

PRIMARY SPECIALTYUrology
COMPLEXITYHigh
LAST UPDATED09/15/2025
Sam Tuffun, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist | Medical Coding & Billing Contributor

Diagnosis Overview

What is Hydroureter?
Essential facts and insights about Hydroureter

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Flank pain or abdominal pain
  • Urinary retention or changes in urination patterns
  • Hydronephrosis on imaging studies

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Patient history including symptoms and duration
  • Imaging results (ultrasound, CT scan) showing dilation of ureter
  • Assessment of underlying causes (e.g., obstruction)

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • Usage guidelines: Use N13.3 for isolated hydroureter; consider N13.30 for hydronephrosis.
  • Common errors: Misclassifying hydroureter as a urinary tract infection.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Excludes conditions: Ureteral stricture, nephrolithiasis
  • Alternative codes: N13.30 for hydronephrosis without mention of hydroureter

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
N13.3
Hydroureter
Ancillary Codes
N13.71
Differential Codes
N13.2
N13.2
when there is a ureteral stone causing obstruction.
N13.4
N13.4
when there is dilation without obstruction.

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Urology

Specialty Applications

  • Adult and pediatric patients with urinary obstruction
  • Urology clinics, emergency departments, and inpatient settings

Coding Complexity

High Complexity

This diagnosis requires careful attention to:

  • Comprehensive clinical documentation
  • Accurate code selection based on clinical criteria
  • Proper exclusion considerations
  • Specialty-specific coding guidelines

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

  • Ensure proper documentation for billing
  • Verify code specificity requirements
  • Check for any additional codes needed
  • Review payer-specific guidelines

Common Issues

  • Insufficient clinical documentation
  • Incorrect code selection
  • Missing supporting diagnoses
  • Timing and frequency documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements?

Include detailed patient history, imaging results, and clinical findings.

Billing considerations?

Ensure accurate coding to reflect severity and underlying causes for appropriate reimbursement.