2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code R36Urethral discharge

ICD-10-CM Codes›R00–R99›R30-R39›R36

ICD-10-CM R36
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

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
Short Description
Urethral discharge
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
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

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to R36: its own notes plus those printed at Chapter 18. A note printed at a category, block or chapter applies to every code under it.

Excludes2

Not included here: the excluded condition is not part of this code, but a patient may have both, so both codes may be reported.

From Chapter 18 (R00-R99) Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified applies to 774 codes
  • abnormal findings on antenatal screening of mother (O28.-)
  • certain conditions originating in the perinatal period (P04-P96)
  • signs and symptoms classified in the body system chapters
  • signs and symptoms of breast (N63, N64.5)

Notes

General instructions on how these codes are used.

From Chapter 18 (R00-R99) Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified applies to 774 codes
  • This chapter includes symptoms, signs, abnormal results of clinical or other investigative procedures, and ill-defined conditions regarding which no diagnosis classifiable elsewhere is recorded.
  • Signs and symptoms that point rather definitely to a given diagnosis have been assigned to a category in other chapters of the classification. In general, categories in this chapter include the less well-defined conditions and symptoms that, without the necessary study of the case to establish a final diagnosis, point perhaps equally to two or more diseases or to two or more systems of the body. Practically all categories in the chapter could be designated 'not otherwise specified', 'unknown etiology' or 'transient'. The Alphabetical Index should be consulted to determine which symptoms and signs are to be allocated here and which to other chapters. The residual subcategories, numbered .8, are generally provided for other relevant symptoms that cannot be allocated elsewhere in the classification.
  • The conditions and signs or symptoms included in categories R00-R94 consist of:
  • (a) cases for which no more specific diagnosis can be made even after all the facts bearing on the case have been investigated;
  • (b) signs or symptoms existing at the time of initial encounter that proved to be transient and whose causes could not be determined;
  • (c) provisional diagnosis in a patient who failed to return for further investigation or care;
  • (d) cases referred elsewhere for investigation or treatment before the diagnosis was made;
  • (e) cases in which a more precise diagnosis was not available for any other reason;
  • (f) certain symptoms, for which supplementary information is provided, that represent important problems in medical care in their own right.

Source: CMS ICD-10-CM Tabular List. How to read instructional notes.

Referenced in Other NotesGuidance

Instructional notes printed at other codes that name R36, its category, or a range that includes it.

Excludes2 1

These codes carry an Excludes2 note naming R36: its condition is not part of those codes, and both may be reported when the patient has both.

  • Block R10-R19 Symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen
    signs and symptoms involving the urinary system (R30-R39) names R30-R39, which includes this code

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 2017–2026No changes
FY 2027CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

Questions About R36Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for urethral discharge?

R36 is the ICD-10-CM category for urethral discharge, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

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.