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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN44.00

N44.00

Billable

Torsion of testis, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N44.00 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of torsion of testis, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Torsion of the testis is a surgical emergency characterized by the twisting of the spermatic cord, which compromises blood flow to the testis. This condition can lead to ischemia and necrosis if not promptly addressed. The torsion may occur in any age group but is most common in adolescents and young adults. Symptoms typically include sudden onset of severe scrotal pain, swelling, and sometimes nausea or vomiting. Physical examination may reveal a high-riding testis or an absent cremasteric reflex. Diagnosis is often confirmed through ultrasound imaging, which may show reduced or absent blood flow to the affected testis. Immediate surgical intervention is usually required to untwist the cord and restore blood flow, and in some cases, orchidopexy may be performed to prevent recurrence. The condition can have implications for male fertility if not treated in a timely manner, as prolonged torsion can lead to testicular atrophy. Understanding the urgency and clinical presentation of testicular torsion is crucial for effective management and coding.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between torsion and other acute scrotal conditions.
  • Understanding the urgency of the condition and its implications for treatment.
  • Variability in presentation and diagnosis among different age groups.
  • Need for precise documentation of symptoms and imaging results.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms leading to diagnosis.
  • Failure to document imaging studies that support the diagnosis.
  • Misclassification of the condition as a non-emergency.
  • Inaccurate coding of laterality when applicable.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes including symptom onset, physical exam findings, and imaging results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Acute scrotal pain in adolescents, post-operative follow-up for testicular torsion.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects urgency and any surgical interventions performed.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of acute scrotal pain, including triage notes and initial management.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute scrotal pain requiring immediate evaluation.

Billing Considerations

Document time to treatment and any imaging performed to support diagnosis.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N44.00 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, N44
  • 00 should be used when the specific laterality of the torsion is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical findings and imaging results

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N44.00 When
  • Exclusion criteria include conditions that mimic torsion, such as epididymitis or trauma

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

54640CPT Code

Orchidopexy

Clinical Scenario

Performed to correct testicular torsion and prevent recurrence.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Urologists should ensure that the urgency of the condition is documented.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of testicular torsion, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement. Coders must be familiar with the nuances of the new codes to ensure proper billing and compliance.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of testicular torsion, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement. Coders must be familiar with the nuances of the new codes to ensure proper billing and compliance.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement. Coders must be familiar with the nuances of the new codes to ensure proper billing and compliance.

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 symptoms of testicular torsion?

Common symptoms include sudden onset of severe scrotal pain, swelling, and sometimes nausea or vomiting. Physical examination may reveal a high-riding testis or an absent cremasteric reflex.

How is testicular torsion diagnosed?

Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by imaging studies such as ultrasound to assess blood flow to the testis.

What is the treatment for testicular torsion?

Immediate surgical intervention is required to untwist the spermatic cord and restore blood flow. Orchidopexy may be performed to prevent recurrence.