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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN35.011

N35.011

Billable

Post-traumatic bulbous urethral stricture

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/18/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 N35.011 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of post-traumatic bulbous urethral stricture.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Post-traumatic bulbous urethral stricture refers to a narrowing of the bulbous urethra that occurs as a result of trauma, often due to pelvic fractures, surgical procedures, or penetrating injuries. This condition can lead to significant urinary symptoms, including difficulty urinating, urinary retention, and recurrent urinary tract infections. The bulbous urethra is the most common site for strictures following trauma, and the stricture can be caused by scar tissue formation that narrows the urethral lumen. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of patient history, physical examination, and imaging studies such as retrograde urethrograms or cystoscopy. Treatment options may include urethral dilation, urethrotomy, or surgical reconstruction, depending on the severity and length of the stricture. Proper management is crucial to restore normal urinary function and prevent complications such as bladder damage or chronic urinary issues.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of anatomical terminology related to the urethra.
  • Differentiation from other types of urethral strictures.
  • Need for precise documentation of trauma history.
  • Potential for multiple treatment options affecting coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the traumatic event.
  • Failure to specify the location of the stricture.
  • Misclassification of the type of stricture.
  • Lack of supporting imaging or procedural documentation.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of trauma, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of patients with post-traumatic urethral strictures following pelvic fractures.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must clearly indicate the cause of the stricture and any associated complications.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Accurate recording of the mechanism of injury and initial assessment findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute urinary retention post-trauma.

Billing Considerations

Timely documentation is critical for accurate coding and treatment planning.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N35.011 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, N35
  • 011 should be used when the stricture is specifically due to trauma
  • It is important to document the cause of the stricture and any associated conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N35.011 When
  • Exclusions include strictures not caused by trauma or those resulting from congenital anomalies

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

52310CPT Code

Cystoscopy with urethral dilation

Clinical Scenario

Used when treating a patient with a diagnosed bulbous urethral stricture.

Documentation Requirements

Document indication for procedure and findings during cystoscopy.

Specialty Considerations

Urology specialists should ensure detailed procedural notes are included.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of urethral strictures, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. N35.011 provides a clear distinction for post-traumatic cases, which was less defined in ICD-9.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of urethral strictures, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. N35.011 provides a clear distinction for post-traumatic cases, which was less defined in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. N35.011 provides a clear distinction for post-traumatic cases, which was less defined in ICD-9.

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 primary cause of post-traumatic bulbous urethral stricture?

The primary cause is trauma to the pelvic region, which can result from accidents, falls, or penetrating injuries that lead to scar tissue formation in the urethra.