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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesQ55.9

Q55.9

Billable

Congenital malformation of male genital organ, unspecified

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 Q55.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of congenital malformation of male genital organ, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Congenital malformations of the male genital organs encompass a variety of conditions that can affect the structure and function of the genitalia. These malformations may include hypospadias, where the urethral opening is located on the underside of the penis rather than at the tip, and cryptorchidism, which is characterized by undescended testicles. Ambiguous genitalia is another condition where the external genitalia do not clearly indicate male or female, often requiring careful evaluation and management. Uterine malformations, while primarily affecting females, can also be relevant in the context of congenital conditions affecting male genital development. The diagnosis of these conditions typically involves a thorough physical examination, imaging studies, and sometimes genetic testing to identify any underlying chromosomal abnormalities. The management of these conditions may require surgical intervention, hormonal therapy, or multidisciplinary care involving urologists, endocrinologists, and geneticists. Accurate coding is essential for proper treatment planning and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity of malformations
  • Need for detailed documentation of physical examination findings
  • Potential for associated chromosomal abnormalities requiring additional codes
  • Differentiation between similar conditions (e.g., hypospadias vs. ambiguous genitalia)

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of the specific type of malformation
  • Failure to report associated conditions or chromosomal abnormalities
  • Inconsistent coding practices across different healthcare providers
  • Lack of clarity in the clinical rationale for the chosen code

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed pediatric history and physical examination findings, including gestational history and family history of congenital conditions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Evaluation of newborns with suspected genital malformations, management of hypospadias repair, and follow-up for cryptorchidism.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of developmental milestones and psychosocial impacts of genital malformations on the child.

Genetics

Documentation Requirements

Genetic testing results, family pedigree, and any chromosomal analysis related to the malformation.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Genetic counseling for families with a history of congenital malformations and assessment of risk for future pregnancies.

Billing Considerations

Understanding the implications of chromosomal abnormalities on the management of genital malformations.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Q55.9 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines for congenital conditions, ensuring that all relevant clinical information is documented
  • Use additional codes to specify associated conditions or chromosomal abnormalities when applicable

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Q55.9 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

54160CPT Code

Hypospadias repair

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient with hypospadias undergoes surgical correction.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and any complications.

Specialty Considerations

Urology specialists should provide detailed operative notes.

54640CPT Code

Orchidopexy for cryptorchidism

Clinical Scenario

Used for surgical correction of undescended testicles.

Documentation Requirements

Pre-operative assessment and post-operative follow-up notes.

Specialty Considerations

Urologists should document the surgical approach and any findings.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital malformations, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. However, the complexity of coding unspecified conditions like Q55.9 remains a challenge.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital malformations, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. However, the complexity of coding unspecified conditions like Q55.9 remains a challenge.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. However, the complexity of coding unspecified conditions like Q55.9 remains a challenge.

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 should I document to support the use of Q55.9?

To support the use of Q55.9, document the specific findings from the physical examination, any imaging studies performed, and the clinical rationale for using an unspecified code. If a more specific diagnosis is later determined, update the coding accordingly.