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ICD-10 Coding for Ureteral Stricture(N13.31)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Ureteral Stricture. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Ureteral NarrowingUreteral Obstruction

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Ureteral Stricture

N13-N13.9Primary Range

Obstructive and reflux uropathy

This range includes codes for ureteral stricture and related obstructive uropathies.

Congenital malformations of ureter

This range includes congenital causes of ureteral stricture.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for ureteral stricture

Essential facts and insights about Ureteral Stricture

The ICD-10 code for ureteral stricture with hydroureteronephrosis is N13.31.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for ureteral stricture

Hydroureteronephrosis with ureteral stricture, not elsewhere classified
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of hydroureteronephrosis on imaging

coding Criteria

  • Differentiate from urethral stricture codes

Applicable To

  • Hydroureteronephrosis due to ureteral stricture

Excludes

  • Urethral stricture (N35.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging showing ureteral stricture
  • Symptoms of obstruction such as flank pain or recurrent UTIs

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with urethral stricture codes

Coding Notes

  • Ensure imaging supports the diagnosis of ureteral stricture.

Ancillary Codes

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

Hydronephrosis with ureteral stricture

N13.2
Use when hydronephrosis is present without hydroureteronephrosis.

Differential Codes

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

Post-traumatic urethral stricture, male

N35.01
Urethral strictures are located in the urethra, not the ureter.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Ureteral Stricture to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N13.31.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always attach imaging reports to the patient's file, Review documentation before coding

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Misclassification can result in compliance issues., Data Quality: Impacts the accuracy of patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify imaging and clinical documentation to confirm ureteral location.

Impact

Lack of imaging documentation can lead to audit failures.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all imaging reports are included in the patient's record.

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 Ureteral Stricture, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Ureteral Stricture

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Ureteral Stricture. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Post-ureteroscopy stricture with hydronephrosis

Specialty: Urology

Required Elements

  • Imaging results
  • Symptoms
  • Procedure details

Example Documentation

CT confirms 2.5 cm left mid-ureteral stricture causing hydronephrosis.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Ureteral narrowing noted.
Good Documentation Example
Retrograde pyelogram confirms 1.8 cm stricture at left ureteropelvic junction with proximal hydroureteronephrosis.
Explanation
The good example specifies the location, size, and associated conditions, supporting accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Ureteral Stricture? Ask your questions below.

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