ICD-10 Coding for White Blood Cells in Urine(R82.81, N39.0)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for White Blood Cells in Urine. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to White Blood Cells in Urine
R80-R82Primary Range
Abnormal findings on examination of urine, without diagnosis
This range includes codes for abnormal urine findings, such as pyuria, which is indicated by the presence of white blood cells in urine.
Other diseases of the urinary system
This range includes codes for urinary tract infections, which are often associated with pyuria.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| R82.81 | Pyuria | Use when there is a documented presence of white blood cells in urine without a confirmed infection. |
|
| N39.0 | Urinary tract infection, site not specified | Use when there is a confirmed urinary tract infection with symptoms. |
|
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 white blood cells in urine
Essential facts and insights about White Blood Cells in Urine
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for white blood cells in urine
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of ≥10 WBC/hpf in urine analysis
coding Criteria
- No confirmed urinary tract infection
Applicable To
- Presence of white blood cells in urine
Excludes
- Urinary tract infection (N39.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- ≥10 WBC/hpf in unspun urine
- ≥5 WBC/hpf in centrifuged specimen
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly using this code when a UTI is confirmed.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies the WBC count per high power field (hpf).
N39.0 - Urinary tract infection, site not specified
Use when there is a confirmed urinary tract infection with symptoms.
Applicable To
- UTI with symptoms and positive urine culture
Excludes
- Pyuria without infection (R82.81)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- ≥10 WBC/hpf
- Positive urine culture
Coding Notes
Ensure symptoms and culture results are documented.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Elevated white blood cell count, unspecified
D72.829Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting White Blood Cells in Urine to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R82.81.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Always include culture results in documentation., Use templates that prompt for culture data.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to denied claims due to insufficient documentation., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Document the exact WBC count per hpf in the urinalysis.
Impact
High risk of audit if pyuria is coded without confirming absence of infection.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure thorough documentation of urinalysis results and absence of infection.
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 White Blood Cells in Urine, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for White Blood Cells in Urine
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for White Blood Cells in Urine. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Urinalysis in suspected UTI
Specialty: UrologyRequired Elements
- Urine color and clarity
- Specific gravity
- WBC count per hpf
- Leukocyte esterase result
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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