Priapism
ICD-10 N48.3 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of priapism.
Priapism is a prolonged and often painful erection that lasts for more than four hours and occurs without sexual stimulation. It can be classified into two main types: ischemic (low-flow) and non-ischemic (high-flow). Ischemic priapism is more common and is characterized by a lack of blood flow out of the penis, leading to tissue damage if not treated promptly. Non-ischemic priapism, on the other hand, is usually less painful and results from an injury to the penis or perineum that causes blood to flow freely into the penis. The condition can be associated with various underlying conditions, including sickle cell disease, certain medications (such as antidepressants), and neurological disorders. Management of priapism often requires urgent medical intervention, including aspiration of blood from the corpora cavernosa or surgical shunt procedures to restore normal blood flow. Understanding the etiology and appropriate treatment options is crucial for preventing complications such as erectile dysfunction and penile tissue necrosis.
Detailed clinical notes on the patient's history, physical examination findings, and treatment interventions.
Patients presenting with prolonged erections, often following trauma or as a complication of sickle cell disease.
Urologists must document the urgency of the condition and any immediate interventions performed.
Comprehensive documentation of the patient's presenting symptoms, duration of priapism, and any immediate treatments administered.
Patients arriving in the emergency department with acute priapism requiring urgent intervention.
Emergency physicians should ensure that the documentation reflects the urgency and nature of the condition to support coding.
Used in cases of ischemic priapism to relieve pressure.
Document the indication for aspiration and the patient's response.
Urologists should ensure that the procedure is well-documented to support the diagnosis.
The primary treatment for ischemic priapism is aspiration of blood from the corpora cavernosa, often followed by the potential placement of a shunt if symptoms persist.
