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ICD-10 Coding for Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection(N39.0, Z87.440)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Recurrent UTIChronic UTI

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection

N39.0Primary Range

Urinary tract infection, site not specified

Primary code for recurrent UTI when the site is not specified.

Personal history of urinary tract infections

Used for historical recurrent UTI without current infection.

Other chronic cystitis/Unspecified cystitis

Used when chronic bladder-specific infection is documented.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
N39.0Urinary tract infection, site not specifiedUse for active recurrent UTI without specified site.
  • Documented recurrent episodes
  • Positive urine culture
Z87.440Personal history of urinary tract infectionsUse when documenting a history of recurrent UTIs without current infection.
  • Documented history of UTIs
  • No current active infection

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for recurrent UTI

Essential facts and insights about Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection

The ICD-10 code for recurrent urinary tract infection is N39.0 when the site is not specified.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for recurrent urinary tract infection

Urinary tract infection, site not specified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of recurrent symptoms and positive culture

documentation Criteria

  • Documented resolution between episodes

Applicable To

  • Recurrent UTI without specified site

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented recurrent episodes
  • Positive urine culture

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if site is specified

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'recurrent' and includes culture results.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Escherichia coli [E. coli] as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

B96.2
Use when urine culture confirms E. coli.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Chronic cystitis with hematuria

N30.21
Use when chronic cystitis is documented with hematuria.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N39.0.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific numbers and dates, Include culture results

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use N39.0 for active infections and Z87.440 for history only.

Impact

Using Z87.440 for active infections.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure active infections are coded with N39.0.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Recurrent UTI in primary care

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • Number of episodes
  • Culture results
  • Treatment response

Example Documentation

Patient presents with 3 UTIs in past 6 months, treated with nitrofurantoin, cultures positive for E. coli.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has frequent UTIs.
Good Documentation Example
Patient has 3 UTIs in past 6 months, each resolved with nitrofurantoin.
Explanation
The good example provides specific frequency and treatment details.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection? Ask your questions below.

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