A bulbar urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra in the bulbous part of the penis. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body; sometimes, medications like Alprostadil are needed to treat conditions related to it.
When it comes to medical billing, reimbursement, data tracking, statistics, and research, accurate ICD-10-CM coding is critical.
This article will focus on the following ICD-10-CM codes related to bulbar urethral stricture: N35.011, N35.112, N35.812, and N35.912.
ICD-10-CM Code N35.011: Post-traumatic Bulbous Urethral Stricture
Let’s break down the ICD-10 code N35.011, which is used for post-traumatic bulbous urethral stricture. This code is pretty specific, so let’s make sure we understand it.
Definition and Applicability
A post-traumatic bulbous urethral stricture refers to a narrowing of the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder) located in the bulbous part of the urethra, and this narrowing is caused by some kind of injury.
The code N35.011 is a billable and specific code, meaning it’s accurate enough to be used for billing purposes. Also, it’s important to note that this code is specifically for male patients.
Code History and Updates
The 2025 edition of the ICD-10 codes, including N35.011, went into effect on October 1, 2024. Interestingly, this code has remained stable over time, with no changes recorded from 2016 to 2025.
Related Codes and Classifications
This code falls under the broader categories of “Diseases of the Genitourinary System” and, more specifically, “Urethral Stricture.” There are other related ICD-10 codes that are used for different types or locations of urethral strictures. When your doctor, perhaps an andrologist, chooses your diagnosis code, they may consider other similar codes.
ICD-10-CM Code N35.112: Postinfective Bulbous Urethral Stricture, NEC, Male
Let’s break down the ICD-10 code N35.112, which refers to a postinfective bulbous urethral stricture not elsewhere classified, and applies specifically to male patients.
Definition and Applicability
This code describes a urethral stricture located in the bulbous urethra. The cause of the stricture is an infection, but it doesn’t fit neatly into any other pre-defined category.
It’s important to note that N35.112 is a billable and specific code, meaning it provides a precise classification for male patients.
Code History and Updates
The 2025 edition of the ICD-10-CM code set, including N35.112, went into effect on October 1, 2024.
This particular code has remained stable, without changes, for several years.
Related Codes and Classifications
This code falls under the broader categories of “Diseases of the Genitourinary System” and, more specifically, “Urethral Stricture” within the ICD-10-CM system.
There are other, similar ICD-10 codes that classify different types or locations of urethral strictures. When coders are trying to select the correct code, it’s important to read the notes and consider the specific guidance for each code.
ICD-10-CM Code N35.812: Other Bulbous Urethral Stricture, Male
Let’s break down what this code means and how it’s used.
Definition and Applicability
So, what exactly is “other bulbous urethral stricture?” Basically, it’s when a male patient has a narrowing (stricture) in the bulbous part of their urethra, and it’s not due to trauma or an infection. This code is the one to use in that specific scenario.
It’s also worth noting that N35.812 is a pretty specific code, meaning it’s billable and used for male patients only.
Code History and Updates
The ICD-10 coding system gets updates, so it’s good to know the timeline. The 2025 edition of the codes went into effect on October 1, 2024.
This particular code, N35.812, is relatively new, added in 2019 and then revised in 2024.
Related Codes and Classifications
This code falls under the broader categories of “Diseases of the Genitourinary System” and, more specifically, “Urethral Stricture.” There are also other, similar codes for different types or locations of urethral strictures, which your doctor will use as appropriate.
ICD-10-CM Code N35.912: Unspecified Bulbous Urethral Stricture, Male
If the specific reason for a bulbous urethral stricture isn’t known or documented, doctors use the N35.912 code. This code is specific to male patients and can be used for billing purposes.
The code was updated for the 2025 edition, effective October 1, 2024, but there were no actual changes to the code itself from 2019 through 2025.
This code falls under “Diseases of the Genitourinary System” and the more specific category of “Urethral Stricture.” A related code is N35.919, which represents an unspecified urethral stricture in a male, where the location of the stricture is also unspecified.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the ICD-9 code for bulbar urethral stricture?
Important to note that ICD-9 is no longer the standard. However, for historical reference, the ICD-9 code for urethral stricture, including bulbar stricture, was often 599.0.
What is the ICD-10 code for bulbar urethral injury?
The ICD-10 code for bulbar urethral injury depends on the specifics of the injury. A common code used is S37.22XA for “Crush injury of urethra, initial encounter,” which could lead to issues, in some cases resulting in impotence. Other codes may apply depending on the nature of the injury and whether it’s an initial or subsequent encounter.
What is the ICD-10 code for enlarged urethra?
There isn’t a specific ICD-10 code for “enlarged urethra” per se. You’d need to know why the urethra is enlarged. If it’s a congenital malformation, Q64.7 might be relevant. If it’s due to another condition, you’d code for that underlying condition.
What is the ICD-10 code for bulbar stricture urethra?
The most appropriate ICD-10 code for bulbar urethral stricture is N35.02. This code specifically identifies a stricture of the bulbar urethra.
What is the CPT code for bulbar urethroplasty?
The CPT code for bulbar urethroplasty varies depending on the specific technique used. However, a commonly used code is 53410 (Urethroplasty, 1-stage reconstruction of male anterior urethra). Always confirm the correct code based on the operative report.
Key Takeaways
Coding bulbar urethral strictures correctly is important for billing and data tracking. This article covered four ICD-10-CM codes: N35.011 (post-traumatic), N35.112 (postinfective), N35.812 (other), and N35.912 (unspecified).
Remember that medical coding is an evolving field, so it’s essential for healthcare professionals to stay on top of any changes. Always check the official ICD-10-CM documentation for the latest, most accurate information.