Radiology Coding Alert

Question: What is the best diagnosis code to report for bladder erythema? I’m deliberating between N32.9 and N32.89.

Kansas Subscriber

Answer: The most appropriate diagnosis for bladder erythema is N32.89 (Other specified disorders of bladder). Erythema is a superficial reddening, usually in patches. The condition may be caused by an injury or some type of irritation that results in dilatation of the blood capillaries. From a radiologist’s perspective, bladder erythema could be a sign of cancer; i.e., carcinoma in situ, D09.0 (Carcinoma in situ of bladder), that merits further investigation. Despite the fact that bladder erythema might be a sign of a more significant condition, it is still a definitive diagnosis in itself. Therefore, you should not consider code N32.9 (Bladder disorder, unspecified) appropriate.