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Urology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Dig Deep for Scrotum Engulfment Code

Published on Wed Sep 17, 2003

Question: How should I code "scrotum engulfment syndrome"?

New York Subscriber Answer: Unfortunately, ICD-9 codes does not have a diagnosis code that accurately represents "scrotum engulfment syndrome," which means you will need to code the physical findings producing this syndrome.
 
Your urologist's description of the patient's condition appears to be referring to the massive enlargement of the scrotum that "engulfs" the suprapubic and perineal area, in which case the penis seems to "vanish" underneath the enlarged scrotum.
 
If the urologist's documentation does not list the pathological findings that produced this condition, such as scrotal edema (608.86, Other disorders of male genital organs; edema) or enlarged hydroceles (603.9), consult with him to determine an appropriate diagnostic code(s). Consider reporting the diagnosis code for a "hidden penis" (752.65) as a secondary diagnosis code.
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