UTI ICD-10 Codes Reference: Key Codes for Accurate Diagnosis and Billing

This guide serves as a quick reference for ICD-10 coding of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Accurate coding is essential for correct billing and effective patient care documentation. Here, you'll find the primary codes for UTIs, along with considerations for coding recurrent and complicated cases.

Primary UTI ICD-10 Codes

The primary codes used for UTI diagnoses include:

• N39.0 - Urinary tract infection, site not specified: Use this general code when the specific site is unknown. Additional coding may be needed to specify the infectious agent if known.
• N10 - Acute pyelonephritis: For acute kidney infections. Some cases may require additional digits for maximum specificity, such as conditions involving renal medullary necrosis.
• N30.00 - Acute cystitis without hematuria: For bladder infections with no blood in the urine.
• N30.01 - Acute cystitis with hematuria: For bladder infections where hematuria (blood in urine) is present.
• N30.40 - Chronic cystitis without hematuria: Used for chronic bladder infections with no blood present.

ICD-10 Codes for Recurrent and Complicated UTIs

These codes apply to recurrent or complex cases:

• N30.20 - Other chronic cystitis without hematuria: For recurrent bladder infections that are chronic.
• N30.21 - Other chronic cystitis with hematuria: Applies to recurrent bladder infections with blood in the urine.
• N39.41 - Urinary tract infection with bacteriuria: Use when bacteriuria (bacteria in urine) is confirmed.
• N13.2 - Hydronephrosis with renal and ureteral calculous obstruction: Specific to hydronephrosis due to kidney or ureteral stones causing obstruction.

Additional Coding Considerations

• Additional Digits for Specificity: Some codes, like N10, may require extra digits to fully capture specific conditions.
• Coding for Infectious Agents: If an infectious agent is identified, additional codes may be needed.
• Example: For a UTI caused by E. coli, pair N39.0 with B96.20 to specify E. coli.
• Document Underlying Conditions: For recurrent UTIs, make sure any contributing conditions (e.g., diabetes) are documented.

Best Practices for UTI ICD-10 Coding

• Ensure Specificity: Use the most precise code available for accurate reimbursement.
• Confirm Diagnostic Support: Verify that lab results back up the selected code, especially for bacteriuria or hematuria.
• Note Complications: Document and code for associated symptoms like kidney stones or blood in urine.

Resources for ICD-10 UTI Coding

• CDC’s ICD-10-CM Browser
• WHO’s ICD-10 Online Browser

Note: ICD-10 coding guidelines are updated annually. Always refer to the latest resources to ensure accuracy.

This reference provides the essential codes for UTI diagnosis and billing, offering healthcare providers a streamlined way to navigate coding requirements and ensure compliance.

Disclaimer: This guide is based on extensive research and current coding guidelines, intended to serve as a reliable reference for UTI ICD-10 coding. However, medical billing practices can vary, and coding standards may change over time. Healthcare providers and billing professionals are encouraged to consult the latest official resources, such as the CDC and CMS, and verify specific cases as needed. For detailed coding advice tailored to individual circumstances, consider seeking guidance from a certified coding professional.