ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN45.4

N45.4

Billable

Abscess of epididymis or testis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N45.4 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of abscess of epididymis or testis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An abscess of the epididymis or testis is a localized collection of pus that occurs within the epididymis or testicular tissue, often resulting from infection. This condition can arise from various etiologies, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs), urinary tract infections, or complications from other testicular disorders such as orchitis or trauma. Patients may present with acute scrotal pain, swelling, and tenderness, often accompanied by systemic symptoms like fever and malaise. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination, imaging studies such as ultrasound, and laboratory tests to identify the causative organism. Treatment usually requires antibiotics and may necessitate surgical intervention for drainage of the abscess. Chronic cases can lead to complications such as infertility or chronic pain, making timely diagnosis and management crucial.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between abscess and other testicular conditions such as hydrocele or tumors.
  • Need for precise documentation of symptoms and diagnostic imaging.
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on underlying causes.
  • Potential for co-existing conditions that may complicate coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the abscess's size and location.
  • Failure to document the causative organism if known.
  • Misclassification of abscess as a simple infection.
  • Lack of clarity on whether surgical intervention was performed.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Urology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of acute scrotal pain, post-surgical complications, and recurrent infections.

Billing Considerations

Urologists must document the presence of any underlying conditions that may contribute to abscess formation.

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Thorough history of present illness, including risk factors for STIs and previous infections.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Evaluation of abscess in the context of systemic infections or immunocompromised patients.

Billing Considerations

Infectious disease specialists should document the results of cultures and sensitivity tests.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N45.4 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding abscesses, ensuring to document the site and nature of the abscess
  • Include any relevant co
  • morbidities or complications

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N45.4 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

49020CPT Code

Incision and drainage of abscess, abdominal wall

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for drainage of a testicular abscess.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size, location, and nature of the abscess, as well as the procedure performed.

Specialty Considerations

Urologists should ensure that the surgical notes detail the findings and any complications.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of abscesses, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of abscesses, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

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 causes of an abscess of the epididymis or testis?

Common causes include bacterial infections, particularly those associated with STIs, urinary tract infections, and complications from other testicular disorders.