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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN35.8

N35.8

Billable

Other urethral stricture

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N35.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other urethral stricture.

Key Diagnostic Point:

N35.8 refers to other urethral strictures that are not classified elsewhere. Urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra, which can impede the flow of urine and lead to various complications. This condition can arise from a variety of causes, including trauma, infection, inflammation, or previous surgical procedures. Urethritis, an inflammation of the urethra, can often precede or accompany strictures, particularly when caused by sexually transmitted infections. The clinical presentation may include difficulty urinating, a weak urine stream, or urinary retention. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of patient history, physical examination, and imaging studies such as retrograde urethrograms. Treatment options vary based on the severity and cause of the stricture and may include dilation, urethrotomy, or surgical reconstruction. Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and tracking of healthcare outcomes, as urethral strictures can lead to significant morbidity if left untreated.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes leading to stricture
  • Differentiation from other urinary disorders
  • Potential for multiple concurrent urinary conditions
  • Variability in treatment approaches

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the cause of stricture
  • Failure to specify the type of stricture
  • Lack of supporting diagnostic tests
  • Misclassification of the condition as a different urinary disorder

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, including previous urinary tract infections, surgeries, and symptoms.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with urinary retention, recurrent urinary tract infections, or post-surgical complications.

Billing Considerations

Ensure all relevant imaging and diagnostic tests are documented to support the diagnosis.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive review of urinary symptoms and referral notes to specialists.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation of patients with urinary symptoms before referral to urology.

Billing Considerations

Document any history of sexually transmitted infections or previous urinary issues.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N35.8 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring to document the specific type of stricture and any associated conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N35.8 When
  • Exclude codes for strictures that are congenital or due to specific diseases classified elsewhere

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

52332CPT Code

Cystourethroscopy with dilation

Clinical Scenario

Used when a stricture is diagnosed and dilation is performed.

Documentation Requirements

Document the findings during the procedure and the reason for dilation.

Specialty Considerations

Urology specialists should ensure all procedural details are captured.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 allows for more specific coding of urethral strictures, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 allows for more specific coding of urethral strictures, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

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 are the common causes of urethral stricture?

Common causes include trauma, infections (especially sexually transmitted infections), inflammatory conditions, and previous surgical procedures.

How is urethral stricture diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves patient history, physical examination, and imaging studies such as retrograde urethrograms or cystoscopy.

What are the treatment options for urethral stricture?

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