Understanding diagnosis codes is crucial in healthcare, especially for accurate billing and medical records. In the realm of urology and general medicine, Diagnosis Code For Urinary Frequency is a common point of interest. This article delves into the specifics of ICD-10-CM code R35.0, which precisely addresses this condition. We will explore what R35.0 signifies, its clinical context, and its importance in medical coding.
What is ICD-10-CM Code R35.0?
R35.0, categorized under “Frequency of micturition,” is a billable and specific diagnosis code within the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM). This code is used to indicate a diagnosis of urinary frequency for healthcare reimbursement and statistical purposes in the United States. The 2025 edition of ICD-10-CM R35.0 came into effect on October 1, 2024, ensuring its relevance and current applicability in medical practice. It’s important to note that while R35.0 is the American version, international versions of ICD-10 R35.0 might have variations.
Synonyms and Clinical Understanding of R35.0
To fully grasp the scope of R35.0, understanding its synonyms and clinical context is essential. R35.0, diagnosis code for urinary frequency, is also known by the following terms:
- Urinary frequency: This is the most direct synonym and clearly describes the condition.
- Increased frequency of urination: Another straightforward term indicating more frequent urination than normal.
- Frequency of micturition: Using the medical term “micturition” for urination, this is a more formal way to describe urinary frequency.
- Urinary frequency due to benign prostatic hypertrophy: This specifies a potential cause, enlarged prostate (BPH), in men. While not explicitly part of the code definition, BPH is a common association.
- Urinary frequency in pregnancy: Pregnancy is another condition often linked to increased urinary frequency due to physiological changes.
Clinically, urinary frequency is characterized by urination occurring at short intervals. This symptom can arise from various underlying causes, including:
- Increased urine formation: Conditions like diabetes insipidus or excessive fluid intake can lead to increased urine volume and frequency.
- Decreased bladder capacity: Bladder capacity can be reduced by conditions such as bladder stones or tumors.
- Lower urinary tract irritation: Infections like urinary tract infections (UTIs), inflammation, or overactive bladder syndrome can irritate the bladder and cause frequent urination.
Annotations and Code History
Within the ICD-10-CM system, R35.0, the diagnosis code for urinary frequency, is further contextualized by annotations and its code history. Annotations act as back-references, connecting R35.0 to other related codes through:
- Applicable To annotations
- Code Also annotations
- Code First annotations
- Excludes1 and Excludes2 annotations
- Includes annotations
- Note annotations
- Use Additional annotations
These annotations help ensure accurate and comprehensive coding by guiding coders to consider related conditions and coding guidelines.
Looking at the code history, R35.0 is a relatively new code, first introduced in 2016 (effective October 1, 2015). Since then, through 2025 (effective October 1, 2024), there have been no changes to the code definition, indicating its stability and continued relevance in the ICD-10-CM system.
Conclusion
In summary, ICD-10-CM diagnosis code R35.0, representing “Frequency of micturition,” is a vital tool for classifying and coding urinary frequency. Understanding its synonyms, clinical context, and code history is essential for healthcare professionals involved in diagnosis, treatment, and medical billing. Accurate use of R35.0 ensures proper documentation and reimbursement for conditions related to increased urinary frequency, contributing to effective patient care and healthcare administration.
