ICD-10-CM Billable Code

N35.013

Post-traumatic anterior urethral stricture

Clinical Classification Guidelines

Medical Intelligence & Overview

Post-traumatic anterior urethral stricture is a medical condition where scar tissue develops in the anterior part of the urethra after an injury. The urethra is a tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. When this tube becomes narrowed or blocked due to scarring, it can interfere with normal urination. This condition often results from trauma or injury to the pelvic area or genital region, leading to scarring in the urethra that causes a stricture. Recognizing the symptoms early and seeking appropriate diagnosis and treatment is important to maintain urinary health and prevent complications.

Causes & Symptoms

Clinical Causes: Pelvic or genital trauma, such as a straddle injury Mishandled catheterizations or medical procedures involving the urethra Injuries from accidents or falls impacting the pelvic region Previous urethral surgeries or interventions Inflammatory conditions leading to scarring of the urethra Penile fractures or injuries

Key Symptoms: Difficulty starting urination Weak or interrupted urine stream urinary retention or the feeling of incomplete bladder emptying Spraying or multiple streams during urination Urinary frequency and urgency Discomfort or pain during urination Serious cases may lead to urinary retention or infections

Diagnostic & Treatment

Diagnosis Path: Diagnosis involves a combination of clinical evaluation and specialized tests. A doctor may perform a physical examination and review the patient’s medical history. To confirm the presence and location of a urethral stricture, the following procedures might be used:

Treatment Protocols: Treatment options aim to relieve symptoms, restore normal urine flow, and prevent the recurrence of strictures. These may include:

Reimbursement claims with a date of service on or after October 1, 2015 require the use of ICD-10-CM codes.

Clinical Advice & FAQs

Billing Guidance

Is N35.013 a billable ICD-10 code?
Yes, N35.013 is a specific, billable code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

Documentation

How do I report N35.013?
Clinical documentation must specify the nature of Post-traumatic anterior urethral stricture and any associated comorbidities for accurate reporting.

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