Wiki R39.14 vs R33.8

[LAT93]

Here is an example of documentation with some of our providers:

They also sometimes say something like: PVR of 68 mL indicating incomplete bladder emptying.

Here is the link that I am referring to:

https://www.aapc.com/codes/coding-newsletters/my-urology-coding-alert/you-be-the-coder-diagnosis-for-incomplete-bladder-emptying-160186-article

Thoughts? I started coding retention until some of the providers started using the bold phrase above. I don't know if it's a word around what we are being instructed. I would appreciate any guidance on how to tackle this.

Thank you!

 

[MedicalCoder432]

I know this is from a long time ago and you've probably received some guidance on this question, but thought I'd throw in my two cents.

If you go to the ICD-10 book and look up "Incomplete," then go down to "bladder, emptying," it will direct you to either r33.8 or r33.9, I can't remember which. This is the code I would use.

I see how it is confusing, because the providers are essentially saying the patient is not completely emptying their bladder without necessarily having acute urinary retention. But according to the ICD-10, whether the provider documents it as "incomplete bladder emptying" or "urinary retention," the code is the same.