2025 ICD-10-CM code N44.01
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Diseases of male genital organs - Noninflammatory disorders of testis Diseases of the genitourinary system (N00-N99) Feed
Extravaginal torsion of the spermatic cord.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the encounter and services provided, such as anesthesia modifiers (e.g., -AA, -AZ) if applicable.Consult your local payer's guidelines for acceptable modifiers.
Medical necessity for coding N44.01 is established by the presence of acute scrotal pain suggestive of testicular torsion, confirmed by clinical examination and imaging studies (ultrasound). Prompt surgical intervention (orchiopexy) is often medically necessary to preserve testicular viability and function.
Diagnosis and treatment of the condition by a urologist or other qualified healthcare professional. This includes physical examination, imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound), and surgical intervention (orchiopexy) if necessary to correct the torsion and restore blood flow to the testis.
In simple words: This code describes a condition where the cord that holds the testicle twists outside of its protective covering, cutting off blood flow.This is a painful condition and requires urgent medical attention to prevent permanent damage to the testicle.
N44.01, Extravaginal torsion of the spermatic cord, refers to the twisting of the spermatic cord outside of the tunica vaginalis,resulting in compromised blood supply to the testis. This can cause severe pain and potentially lead to testicular ischemia and necrosis if not treated promptly.
Example 1: A 15-year-old male presents to the emergency room with acute onset of severe scrotal pain. Physical exam reveals a swollen, tender testicle with a palpable mass in the spermatic cord.Ultrasound confirms extra-vaginal torsion. Urgent surgical intervention (orchiopexy) is performed., A 22-year-old male reports sudden onset of scrotal pain and swelling during physical activity. The pain is severe, and he exhibits symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Physical examination and ultrasound are consistent with extra-vaginal torsion, necessitating emergency surgery., A 10-year-old boy is brought to the clinic with scrotal pain. The pain is intermittent, but has been worsening over the past few days. Physical exam reveals mild swelling and tenderness. Ultrasound shows extra-vaginal torsion, and the patient is scheduled for an orchiopexy.
Detailed history of present illness documenting the onset, character, and severity of the scrotal pain. Physical examination notes documenting findings of scrotal swelling, tenderness, and the presence or absence of a palpable mass.Results of diagnostic imaging studies (ultrasound), detailing the findings of testicular torsion and confirming the location (extravaginal). Operative report, if surgical intervention was performed (orchiopexy), including details of the procedure, findings, and post-operative course.
** This code is for the diagnosis of extra-vaginal torsion.Surgical correction (orchiopexy) would require a separate procedural code.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable to this diagnosis code.
- Specialties:Urology
- Place of Service:Emergency Room - Hospital, Office, Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center