2025 ICD-10-CM code N34.0
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Other diseases of the urinary system - Urethritis and urethral syndrome Diseases of the genitourinary system (N00-N99) Feed
Urethral abscess:A localized collection of pus within the urethra.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of service and the procedures performed. Consult local payer guidelines.
Medical necessity for treatment of a urethral abscess is established by the presence of a localized collection of pus within the urethra causing symptoms (pain, swelling, dysuria, etc.)The severity of symptoms and the potential for complications (e.g., sepsis, urinary retention, fistula formation) justify the need for intervention such as incision and drainage or antibiotic therapy.
Diagnosis and treatment of the urethral abscess falls under the responsibility of a urologist or other qualified healthcare professional. This may involve incision and drainage of the abscess, administration of antibiotics, and management of any associated complications.
In simple words: A urethral abscess is a pocket of infection filled with pus inside the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). It can cause pain, swelling, and discomfort when urinating.A doctor will need to examine you and may order tests to confirm the diagnosis.
N34.0, Urethral abscess, is an ICD-10-CM code that signifies a localized collection of purulent material (pus) within the urethra.This condition can result from infection, trauma, or other underlying causes.The abscess may be associated with symptoms such as pain, swelling, dysuria (painful urination), and urethral discharge.Accurate diagnosis typically involves physical examination, possibly supplemented by imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound) and/or microbiological analysis of any collected drainage.
Example 1: A 35-year-old male presents with acute onset of severe urethral pain, swelling, and purulent discharge. Physical examination reveals a tender, fluctuant mass along the urethra.Diagnosis of urethral abscess is made, and incision and drainage is performed., A 28-year-old female with a history of recurrent urinary tract infections reports increasing urethral pain and difficulty urinating.Examination reveals a small, painful urethral abscess.Antibiotics and close monitoring are implemented., A 60-year-old male with a history of urethral stricture develops a urethral abscess secondary to instrumentation.The abscess is drained, and the patient receives broad-spectrum antibiotics and urological consultation for management of the stricture.
Detailed history of present illness including onset, duration, and character of symptoms.Physical examination findings, specifically noting location, size, and tenderness of the abscess. Results of any laboratory tests (e.g., urine culture, Gram stain, complete blood count).Documentation of the procedure performed (e.g., incision and drainage), and any complications encountered.Post-procedure course, including antibiotic treatment and response.
** Differential diagnoses should consider other conditions that may present with similar symptoms, such as urethritis, prostatitis, or other infections of the genitourinary tract.Imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound) may be helpful in confirming the diagnosis and ruling out other pathology.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable to this diagnosis code.
- Specialties:Urology
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital Inpatient, Emergency Room - Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center