Urethritis and urethral syndrome (N34)
ICD-10 code N34 covers various forms of urethritis and urethral syndrome, which are infections or inflammations affecting the urethra. These codes specify conditions like urethral abscess, nonspecific urethritis, other forms of urethritis, and urethral syndrome when the exact cause is unclear.
The ICD-10 code for urethral abscess (N34.0) includes infections such as gonococcal urethral abscess and periurethral gland abscess, commonly related to urinary tract infections. The term "abscess of Cowper's gland" or "gonococcal urethral abscess" directs clinicians to this specific code. N34.1 (nonspecific urethritis) is used when inflammation isn't caused by gonorrhea and can be associated with conditions like reactive arthritis or nongonococcal urethritis, sometimes involving organisms like Ureaplasma urealyticum. N34.2N34.3
Instructional Notations
Use Additional Code
The “use additional code” indicates that a secondary code could be used to further specify the patient’s condition. This note is not mandatory and is only used if enough information is available to assign an additional code.
Type 2 Excludes
A type 2 excludes note represents "Not included here". An excludes2 note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate.
- Reiter's disease M02.3
- urethritis in diseases with a predominantly sexual mode of transmission A50 A64
- urethrotrigonitis N30.3
Clinical Terms
The following clinical terms provide additional context, helping users better understand the clinical background and common associations for each diagnosis listed in this section. Including related terms alongside ICD-10-CM codes supports coders, billers, and healthcare professionals in improving accuracy, enhancing documentation, and facilitating research or patient education.
Urethritis
Inflammation involving the URETHRA. Similar to CYSTITIS, clinical symptoms range from vague discomfort to painful urination (DYSURIA), urethral discharge, or both.
