2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code R36Urethral discharge

ICD-10-CM Codes›R00–R99›R30-R39›R36

ICD-10-CM R36
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

R36 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for urethral discharge, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as R36.0, R36.1, and R36.9. As a symptom code, it should not be used as a principal diagnosis once a related definitive diagnosis has been established.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
R36
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Urethral discharge
Chapter
R30-R39
Symptoms and signs involving the genitourinary system

Code Classification

ChapterR00–R99Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified
SectionR30-R39Symptoms and signs involving the genitourinary system
CategoryR36Urethral discharge
This CodeR36Urethral discharge

Specific Coding for Urethral dischargeOverview

Non-specific codes like R36 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • Use R36.0 for Urethral discharge without blood

  • Use R36.1 for Hematospermia

  • Use R36.9 for Urethral discharge, unspecified

Clinical InformationClinical

  • Urethral Discharge

    the flow of fluid from the urethra.

Patient EducationClinical

Urethral Disorders

The urethra is the tube that allows urine to pass out of the body. In men, it's a long tube that runs through the penis. It also carries semen in men. In women, it's short and is just above the vagina. Urethral problems may happen due to aging, illness, or injury. They include:

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About R36Overview

Is R36 (Urethral discharge) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for urethral discharge, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for urethral discharge need a more specific code from this category, such as R36.0, R36.1, and R36.9.

Can R36 be a principal diagnosis?

Use it with care. This is a symptom code, so once a definitive diagnosis explaining the urethral discharge is established, that condition takes the principal position instead.