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ICD-10 Coding for Urinary Infection(N39.0, N30.00)

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

Also known as:

Urinary Tract InfectionUTI

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Urinary Infection

N39.0-N39.9Primary Range

Other disorders of urinary system

This range includes codes for urinary tract infections, which are common and require specific documentation for accurate coding.

Cystitis

This range covers cystitis, a specific type of urinary infection affecting the bladder.

Acute tubulo-interstitial nephritis

This range includes acute pyelonephritis, a severe form of urinary infection affecting the kidneys.

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 when the site of infection is not specified in the documentation.
  • Urine culture showing ≥100,000 CFU/mL
  • Symptoms of dysuria, frequency, or urgency
N30.00Acute cystitis without hematuriaUse when the infection is identified as acute cystitis without hematuria.
  • Urinalysis showing WBCs
  • Symptoms of dysuria and urgency

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 urinary infection

Essential facts and insights about Urinary Infection

The ICD-10 code for a urinary tract infection, site not specified, is N39.0. For specific sites like cystitis, use N30.00.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for urinary infection

Urinary tract infection, site not specified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Site of infection is not specified.

Applicable To

  • UTI NOS

Excludes

  • Cystitis (N30.-)
  • Pyelonephritis (N10)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Urine culture showing ≥100,000 CFU/mL
  • Symptoms of dysuria, frequency, or urgency

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of under-documentation if site is not specified.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies symptoms and any lab results supporting the diagnosis.

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 to specify the causative organism when E. coli is identified.

Differential Codes

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

Acute cystitis without hematuria

N30.00
Use N30.00 when the infection is specifically identified as cystitis without hematuria.

Acute cystitis with hematuria

N30.01
Use N30.01 if hematuria is present.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Urinary 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: May lead to inappropriate antibiotic selection., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to incomplete documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document lab results showing the organism.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Impacts the accuracy of health records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies the site of infection if known.

Impact

Risk of audits due to missing site or organism details.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement thorough documentation practices including site and organism.

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 Urinary Infection, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Urinary Infection

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

Acute UTI in a non-pregnant adult

Specialty: Internal Medicine

Required Elements

  • Symptoms: Dysuria, frequency, urgency
  • Lab results: Urine culture, urinalysis
  • Site of infection: Bladder, kidney

Example Documentation

Patient presents with dysuria and frequency. Urinalysis shows WBCs. Culture pending. Diagnosed with acute cystitis.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
UTI treated with antibiotics.
Good Documentation Example
Acute cystitis diagnosed with dysuria and positive urine culture for E. coli. Treated with ciprofloxacin.
Explanation
The good example specifies the site, symptoms, and causative organism.

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

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