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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN35.02

N35.02

Billable

Post-traumatic urethral stricture, female

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N35.02 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of post-traumatic urethral stricture, female.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Post-traumatic urethral stricture in females refers to a narrowing of the urethra that occurs as a result of trauma or injury. This condition can arise from various causes, including pelvic fractures, surgical interventions, or external trauma to the pelvic region. The stricture can lead to significant urinary symptoms, such as difficulty urinating, urinary retention, and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). The pathophysiology involves scar tissue formation that obstructs the urethral lumen, which can result in increased bladder pressure and potential kidney damage if left untreated. 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 location of the stricture. Proper coding for this condition is essential for accurate billing and to ensure appropriate management of the patient's urinary health.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between traumatic and non-traumatic causes of urethral stricture.
  • Understanding the anatomical variations in female urethra.
  • Documenting the specific type and location of the stricture.
  • Co-morbid conditions that may complicate the diagnosis.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the traumatic event leading to the stricture.
  • Failure to document associated urinary symptoms.
  • Lack of clarity on the treatment plan and follow-up.
  • Misclassification of the stricture type.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Urology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with urinary retention post-trauma, recurrent UTIs, or complications from previous surgeries.

Billing Considerations

Urologists must ensure that all relevant details of the stricture are documented to support the diagnosis.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Immediate assessment of trauma, including mechanism of injury and initial management.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with pelvic fractures or blunt trauma presenting with urinary symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Emergency physicians should document the mechanism of injury and any immediate interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N35.02 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, N35
  • 02 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 N35.02 When
  • Exclusions include strictures not related to trauma or those resulting from congenital anomalies

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

52310CPT Code

Cystourethroscopy, diagnostic

Clinical Scenario

Used when evaluating a suspected urethral stricture.

Documentation Requirements

Document indications for the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Urologists should ensure that the procedure correlates with the diagnosis.

52353CPT Code

Urethral dilation

Clinical Scenario

Performed to relieve a urethral stricture.

Documentation Requirements

Document the extent of dilation and any complications.

Specialty Considerations

Urologists must document the specific stricture location and treatment response.

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 diagnoses and treatment plans. N35.02 provides a clear distinction for post-traumatic cases, which aids in better patient management and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of urethral strictures, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. N35.02 provides a clear distinction for post-traumatic cases, which aids in better patient management and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and to avoid denials.

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 urethral stricture?

The primary cause is trauma to the pelvic region, which can occur from accidents, surgical procedures, or other injuries that lead to scarring and narrowing of the urethra.

How is post-traumatic urethral stricture diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a thorough patient history, physical examination, and imaging studies such as retrograde urethrograms or cystoscopy to visualize the stricture.

What are the treatment options for this condition?

Treatment options may include urethral dilation, urethrotomy, or surgical reconstruction, depending on the severity and location of the stricture.