2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code R82.81Pyuria

ICD-10-CM Codes›R00–R99›R80-R82›R82

ICD-10-CM R82.81
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

R82.81 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for pyuria. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 695 through 696. As a symptom code, it should not be used as a principal diagnosis once a related definitive diagnosis has been established. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Genitourinary signs and symptoms.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
R82.81
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Pyuria
Short Description
Pyuria
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
R82.8
Abnormal findings on cytological and histological examination of urine

Code Classification

ChapterR00–R99Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified
SectionR80-R82Abnormal findings on examination of urine, without diagnosis
CategoryR82Other and unspecified abnormal findings in urine
This CodeR82.81Pyuria

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Bacterial pyuria
  • Idiopathic pyuria
  • Presence of cells
  • Pus cells
  • Pus cells in urine
  • Pyuria
  • Sterile pyuria
  • Urinary eosinophils
  • Urine micr.:leukocytes present
  • Urine microscopy: leukocytes - polys present
  • Urine microscopy: pus cells present

Tabular List NotesGuidance

Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.

Inclusion Terms

  • Sterile pyuria

Index to Diseases and InjuriesGuidance

Alphabetical index entries that point to this code.

External Cause of Injuries IndexGuidance

References for this code in the External Cause of Injuries Index.

    • Pyuria(bacterial) (sterile)

Clinical ClassificationClinical

AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.

CCSR SYM011
Genitourinary signs and symptoms
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient Yes · outpatient Yes

Clinical InformationClinical

  • Pyuria

    the presence of white blood cells (leukocytes) in the urine. it is often associated with bacterial infections of the urinary tract. pyuria without bacteriuria can be caused by tuberculosis, stones, or cancer.

  • Pyuria

    the presence of excessive white blood cells in the urine as determined by urinalysis.

  • Sterile Pyuria|Sterile pyuria

    the presence of leukocytes in the urine without evidence of an infection. (acc/aha)

Patient EducationClinical

Urine and Urination

Your kidneys make urine by filtering wastes and extra water from your blood. The waste is called urea. Your blood carries it to the kidneys. From the kidneys, urine travels down two thin tubes called ureters to the bladder. The bladder stores urine until you are ready to urinate.

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

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

Code History & ChangesHistory

Replacement R82.81 replaces the following previously assigned code(s):

  • R82.8 - Abnormal findings on cytolog and histolog exam of urine
FY 2020AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2019.
FY 2021–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About R82.81Overview

Is R82.81 a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report pyuria on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

What MS-DRG does R82.81 group to?

When pyuria is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 695, 696, with relative weights from 0.6890 to 1.1438 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.

Can R82.81 be a principal diagnosis?

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

Footnotes

[1] Not chronic - A diagnosis code that does not fit the criteria for chronic condition (duration, ongoing medical treatment, and limitations) is considered not chronic. Some codes designated as not chronic are acute conditions. Other diagnosis codes that indicate a possible chronic condition, but for which the duration of the illness is not specified in the code description (i.e., we do not know the condition has lasted 12 months or longer) also are considered not chronic.