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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN42.9

N42.9

Billable

Disorder of prostate, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N42.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of disorder of prostate, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Disorder of prostate, unspecified (ICD-10 code N42.9) refers to a range of prostate-related conditions that are not specifically classified. This may include benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, or other prostate disorders that do not have a definitive diagnosis. BPH is characterized by an enlargement of the prostate gland, leading to urinary symptoms such as increased frequency, urgency, and difficulty in urination. Prostatitis, on the other hand, involves inflammation of the prostate, which can be acute or chronic and may present with pelvic pain, urinary issues, and systemic symptoms like fever. The diagnosis of prostate disorders often involves measuring prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, which can indicate the presence of prostate abnormalities. Urological procedures such as transrectal ultrasound, prostate biopsy, or surgical interventions may be necessary for definitive diagnosis and treatment. Given the broad nature of this code, it is essential for coders to ensure that the documentation supports the unspecified nature of the disorder and to be aware of the clinical context in which this code is applied.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation of prostate disorders
  • Need for comprehensive documentation to support unspecified diagnosis
  • Differentiation between benign and malignant conditions
  • Potential overlap with other prostate-related codes

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation to support unspecified diagnosis
  • Inconsistent use of related codes
  • Failure to document PSA levels and their interpretation
  • Lack of clarity in clinical notes regarding symptoms

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes including symptoms, PSA levels, and diagnostic tests performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with urinary symptoms, elevated PSA levels, or pelvic pain.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the documentation clearly indicates the reason for using the unspecified code and any relevant diagnostic findings.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive patient history, symptom assessment, and any referrals made to urology.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine screenings for prostate health, management of urinary symptoms, and follow-up on PSA results.

Billing Considerations

Document any discussions regarding the risks and benefits of further diagnostic procedures.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N42.9 When
  • According to the official coding guidelines, N42
  • 9 should be used when the specific type of prostate disorder is not documented
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the unspecified nature of the diagnosis and that no more specific code is applicable

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N42.9 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

55700CPT Code

Prostate biopsy

Clinical Scenario

When a prostate biopsy is performed to evaluate elevated PSA levels.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the biopsy, including PSA levels and symptoms.

Specialty Considerations

Urologists should ensure that all relevant clinical findings are documented to support the procedure.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of prostate disorders, but N42.9 remains relevant for cases where the diagnosis is not clearly defined. Coders must be diligent in ensuring that documentation supports the use of this unspecified code.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of prostate disorders, but N42.9 remains relevant for cases where the diagnosis is not clearly defined. Coders must be diligent in ensuring that documentation supports the use of this unspecified code.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of prostate disorders, but N42.9 remains relevant for cases where the diagnosis is not clearly defined. Coders must be diligent in ensuring that documentation supports the use of this unspecified code.

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

When should I use N42.9?

N42.9 should be used when the specific type of prostate disorder is not documented, and there is insufficient information to assign a more specific code.