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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN44.02

N44.02

Billable

Intravaginal torsion of spermatic cord

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N44.02 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of intravaginal torsion of spermatic cord.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Intravaginal torsion of the spermatic cord is a surgical emergency characterized by the twisting of the spermatic cord within the tunica vaginalis, leading to compromised blood flow to the testis. This condition typically presents with acute onset of severe scrotal pain, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The affected testis may appear elevated and may be in an abnormal position. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by imaging studies such as Doppler ultrasound to assess blood flow. If not promptly addressed, intravaginal torsion can lead to testicular necrosis and infertility. Management usually involves surgical intervention to untwist the cord and secure the testis to prevent recurrence. This condition is distinct from other testicular disorders such as hydrocele, orchitis, and male infertility, which may have overlapping symptoms but require different management strategies.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires precise clinical documentation to differentiate from other testicular conditions.
  • Potential for misdiagnosis due to symptom overlap with conditions like orchitis or epididymitis.
  • Surgical intervention may involve multiple procedures, complicating coding.
  • Need for accurate imaging documentation to support diagnosis.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of acute symptoms leading to misclassification.
  • Failure to document imaging studies that support diagnosis.
  • Incorrect coding of associated procedures during surgical intervention.
  • Lack of follow-up documentation regarding patient outcomes.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on symptoms, imaging results, and surgical findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Acute scrotal pain in young males, differential diagnosis of testicular torsion.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects urgency and rationale for surgical intervention.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Thorough assessment notes, including pain scale and physical exam findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute scrotal pain and nausea.

Billing Considerations

Document all interventions and referrals to urology for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N44.02 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, N44
  • 02 should be used when there is clear documentation of intravaginal torsion
  • It is important to include details about the acute nature of the condition and any imaging studies performed

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N44.02 When
  • Exclusion criteria include conditions that do not involve torsion

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

54840CPT Code

Surgical exploration of the scrotum

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for torsion.

Documentation Requirements

Document the findings during exploration and any corrective procedures performed.

Specialty Considerations

Urology specialists should ensure detailed operative notes are provided.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like intravaginal torsion, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of testicular disorders.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like intravaginal torsion, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of testicular disorders.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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 intravaginal torsion?

Common symptoms include sudden onset of severe scrotal pain, swelling, and sometimes nausea or vomiting. The affected testis may appear elevated or in an abnormal position.

How is intravaginal torsion diagnosed?

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

What is the treatment for intravaginal torsion?

The definitive treatment is surgical intervention to untwist the spermatic cord and secure the testis to prevent recurrence.