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 CodesR33.9

R33.9

Retention of urine, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R33.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of retention of urine, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Retention of urine, unspecified (R33.9) refers to the inability to completely empty the bladder, leading to the accumulation of urine. This condition can manifest as acute or chronic urinary retention, with symptoms including a weak urine stream, straining to urinate, and a sensation of incomplete bladder emptying. Patients may present with abdominal discomfort, distension, or even acute urinary retention, which can lead to severe complications such as bladder damage or urinary tract infections. The underlying causes can vary widely, including obstruction (e.g., benign prostatic hyperplasia, urethral strictures), neurological disorders (e.g., spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis), or medication side effects. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical history, physical examination, and may include bladder ultrasound or urodynamic studies to assess bladder function and urine flow. Laboratory tests may also be performed to rule out infections or other underlying conditions. Accurate coding requires careful documentation of the patient's symptoms, clinical findings, and any diagnostic tests performed.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes leading to urinary retention
  • Need for comprehensive patient history and examination
  • Potential overlap with other urinary disorders
  • Variability in clinical presentation

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of symptoms and clinical findings
  • Failure to specify acute vs. chronic retention
  • Inadequate differentiation from other urinary disorders
  • Misuse of unspecified codes leading to potential denials

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, physical examination findings, and results of any diagnostic tests performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic urinary retention due to benign prostatic hyperplasia or neurological conditions.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of comorbidities that may affect urinary function, such as diabetes or neurological disorders.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care documentation including vital signs, immediate interventions, and any imaging or laboratory results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute urinary retention requiring catheterization or other urgent interventions.

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment and intervention are critical; documentation should reflect the urgency of the situation.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R33.9 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the specific cause of urinary retention is not documented
  • Always verify the clinical context and ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R33.9 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

51702CPT Code

Catheterization of bladder

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases of acute urinary retention for bladder decompression.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for catheterization and any complications.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine providers should document the urgency and rationale for the procedure.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of urinary retention, improving the ability to capture the complexity of the condition and its underlying causes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of urinary retention, improving the ability to capture the complexity of the condition and its underlying causes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of urinary retention, improving the ability to capture the complexity of the condition and its underlying causes.

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 R33.9?

Document the patient's symptoms, clinical findings, any diagnostic tests performed, and the clinical rationale for the diagnosis of unspecified urinary retention.