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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN36.1

N36.1

Billable

Urethral diverticulum

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N36.1 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of urethral diverticulum.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Urethral diverticulum is a condition characterized by the formation of a pouch or sac-like structure that protrudes from the urethra. This condition can occur in both men and women, although it is more commonly seen in women. The diverticulum can be caused by chronic inflammation, trauma, or surgical procedures affecting the urethra. Patients may present with symptoms such as recurrent urinary tract infections, dysuria, urinary incontinence, and pelvic pain. Diagnosis is typically made through imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI, and cystoscopy may be performed for direct visualization. Treatment often involves surgical intervention to excise the diverticulum and repair the urethra. Complications can include persistent urinary symptoms, stricture formation, and recurrence of the diverticulum. Understanding the underlying causes and associated conditions, such as urethritis and urethral stricture, is crucial for effective management and coding of this condition.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between diverticulum and other urethral disorders.
  • Understanding associated conditions like urethritis and stricture.
  • Need for precise documentation of symptoms and imaging results.
  • Variability in presentation and treatment options.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms leading to misdiagnosis.
  • Failure to document imaging studies that confirm the diagnosis.
  • Incorrect coding of associated conditions.
  • Lack of clarity on the surgical procedure performed.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes including symptoms, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with recurrent UTIs, pelvic pain, or urinary incontinence.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate documentation of surgical interventions and follow-up care.

Gynecology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive history and physical examination, including pelvic exams.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Women with pelvic pain and urinary symptoms potentially related to diverticulum.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of pelvic floor disorders and their impact on urinary function.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N36.1 When
  • According to the official coding guidelines, N36
  • 1 should be used when a urethral diverticulum is diagnosed
  • It is important to document the presence of any associated conditions, such as urethritis or stricture, to ensure accurate coding

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N36.1 When
  • Exclusion criteria include conditions that do not involve diverticulum formation

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

52281CPT Code

Cystourethroscopy with dilation

Clinical Scenario

Used when performing cystoscopy to assess the diverticulum.

Documentation Requirements

Document findings from cystoscopy and any interventions performed.

Specialty Considerations

Urology specialists should ensure detailed procedural notes.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of urethral diverticulum, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment tracking. This specificity aids in better understanding the condition's prevalence and associated healthcare costs.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of urethral diverticulum, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment tracking. This specificity aids in better understanding the condition's prevalence and associated healthcare costs.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of urethral diverticulum, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment tracking. This specificity aids in better understanding the condition's prevalence and associated healthcare costs.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Urological Association Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Urological Association Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of urethral diverticulum?

Common symptoms include recurrent urinary tract infections, dysuria, urinary incontinence, and pelvic pain.

How is urethral diverticulum diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically made through imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI, and cystoscopy may be performed for direct visualization.

What is the treatment for urethral diverticulum?

Treatment often involves surgical intervention to excise the diverticulum and repair the urethra.