ICD-10-CM Billable Code

N35.911

Unspecified urethral stricture, male, meatal

Clinical Classification Guidelines

Medical Intelligence & Overview

Unspecified urethral stricture in males, particularly involving the meatal region, is a condition characterized by narrowing of the urethra. The urethra is the tube through which urine exits the bladder, and any narrowing can lead to urinary difficulties. The term 'unspecified' indicates that the specific location or cause of the stricture has not been detailed, while the focus here is on the male meatal region, the opening of the urethra at the tip of the penis.

Causes & Symptoms

Clinical Causes: Previous urethral infections or inflammation Injury or trauma to the urethra or genital area History of urethral surgery or catheterization Urethral strictures due to sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia Congenital abnormalities (less common) Chronic inflammation or exposure to irritants Lichen sclerosus or other skin conditions affecting the genital area

Key Symptoms: Difficulty urinating or a weak urine stream spraying or split urine flow Frequent urge to urinate Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying Discomfort or pain during urination Blood in the urine in some cases Recurrent urinary tract infections

Diagnostic & Treatment

Diagnosis Path: Diagnosing a urethral stricture involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, and specific diagnostic tests. Health providers may perform the following:

Treatment Protocols: Management of an unspecified urethral meatal stricture aims to restore normal urine flow and address any underlying issues. Options depend on the severity and extent of the stricture:

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 N35.911 a billable ICD-10 code?
Yes, N35.911 is a specific, billable code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

Documentation

How do I report N35.911?
Clinical documentation must specify the nature of Unspecified urethral stricture, male, meatal and any associated comorbidities for accurate reporting.

Cite this Clinical Reference