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2025 ICD-10-CM code Z93.6

Status of other artificial openings of the urinary tract, such as nephrostomy, ureterostomy, or urethrostomy.

Ensure proper documentation to support the assignment of Z93.6, distinguishing it from codes requiring active management or those that represent complications.

Medical necessity for an artificial urinary opening is usually established by the presence of a condition that obstructs or prevents normal urinary drainage, such as bladder cancer, ureteral stricture, or kidney stones.The diversion is necessary to maintain urinary function and prevent complications.

The clinical responsibility associated with this code involves monitoring the patient's health status related to the artificial urinary opening, including assessment of urine output, detection of potential complications such as infection or obstruction, and education regarding stoma care.

IMPORTANT:This code should not be used if the artificial opening requires immediate attention or management (use codes from Z43.-).It also excludes complications of the external stoma (J95.0-, K94.-, N99.5-).

In simple words: This code is used when a person has a surgically created opening in their urinary system (kidneys, ureters, or urethra) to allow urine to drain. This opening might be temporary or permanent and affects the person's overall health.

This code signifies the presence of an artificial opening in the urinary tract, excluding those requiring immediate attention or management, or those with complications.It encompasses various types of urinary diversions, including nephrostomy (artificial opening in the kidney), ureterostomy (artificial opening in the ureter), and urethrostomy (artificial opening in the urethra). The presence of this artificial opening may be permanent or temporary, and it influences the patient's health status.The code does not capture the acute management of the stoma or associated complications.

Example 1: A patient with bladder cancer undergoes a cystectomy (surgical removal of the bladder) and ileal conduit urinary diversion.Code Z93.6 is used to document the status of the ileal conduit stoma., A patient with a ureteral stricture (narrowing) has a ureterostomy created to divert urine. Code Z93.6 is assigned to reflect the presence of the ureterostomy., A patient with kidney stones undergoes a nephrostomy (insertion of a tube into the kidney) for drainage.While the nephrostomy is in place, code Z93.6 is applicable.

Documentation should include the type of urinary diversion (e.g., nephrostomy, ureterostomy, urethrostomy), the date of creation, and any current complications or issues related to the stoma.Records of stoma assessments, including urine output and skin condition, are necessary.

** This code is used for the status of the artificial opening, not for any procedures performed on or related to it.Always code the procedure separately if one is performed.

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