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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN35.91

N35.91

Billable

Urethral stricture, unspecified, male

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N35.91 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of urethral stricture, unspecified, male.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Urethral stricture refers to a narrowing of the urethra, which can impede the flow of urine. In males, this condition can arise from various causes, including trauma, infection, or inflammation. Urethral strictures can lead to significant urinary symptoms such as difficulty urinating, weak urine stream, and urinary retention. The unspecified nature of this code indicates that the specific cause or location of the stricture has not been documented. Urethral strictures can be associated with urethritis, which is inflammation of the urethra often caused by infections. Chronic urethritis can lead to scarring and subsequent stricture formation. Other urinary system disorders may also contribute to or result from urethral strictures, including bladder dysfunction and recurrent urinary tract infections. Accurate diagnosis often requires imaging studies or cystoscopy to visualize the urethra and determine the extent of the stricture. Treatment options may include dilation, urethrotomy, or surgical reconstruction, depending on the severity and location of the stricture.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation of the cause of stricture
  • Need for precise anatomical localization
  • Differentiation from other urinary disorders
  • Potential for coexisting conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the stricture's cause
  • Failure to document associated urinary symptoms
  • Lack of imaging or procedural documentation
  • Misclassification of the stricture type

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of urinary symptoms, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation specifies the location and cause of the stricture for accurate coding.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive patient history and symptom assessment.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation of urinary symptoms leading to referral to urology.

Billing Considerations

Document any prior treatments or interventions related to urinary symptoms.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N35.91 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the stricture is confirmed and documented

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N35.91 When
  • Exclude codes for strictures due to specific known causes when applicable

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

52310CPT Code

Cystourethroscopy, diagnostic

Clinical Scenario

Used when evaluating a patient for urethral stricture.

Documentation Requirements

Document indications for the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Urology specialists should ensure thorough documentation of findings.

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. N35.91 provides specificity for male patients, 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. N35.91 provides specificity for male patients, which was less defined in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. N35.91 provides specificity for male patients, 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 urethral stricture?

Urethral stricture can be caused by trauma, infection, or inflammation, leading to scarring and narrowing of the urethra.

How is urethral stricture diagnosed?

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

What are the treatment options for urethral stricture?

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