Phimosis, a condition characterized by the inability to retract the foreskin over the glans penis, is a common concern addressed in medical diagnoses. Accurate diagnosis and coding are crucial for effective healthcare management and billing. In the context of medical coding, the Diagnosis Code For Phimosis is precisely defined within the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM). This article delves into the specifics of the ICD-10-CM code N47.1, providing a comprehensive understanding for healthcare professionals and anyone seeking information on this diagnosis.
Decoding ICD-10-CM Code N47.1 for Phimosis
ICD-10-CM code N47.1 is the designated billable/specific code for phimosis. This means it is a precise code used for medical billing and reimbursement purposes in the United States. The code officially came into effect on October 1, 2015, with the introduction of ICD-10-CM, and the current 2025 edition of ICD-10-CM N47.1 became effective on October 1, 2024. It’s important to note that while N47.1 is the American ICD-10-CM version, international versions of ICD-10 N47.1 might have slight variations.
Image: The US flag, representing the American ICD-10-CM standard for diagnosis coding.
Key characteristics of ICD-10-CM code N47.1 include:
- Specificity: N47.1 is a highly specific code, directly indicating a diagnosis of phimosis.
- Billable Code: It is accepted for reimbursement claims when the date of service is on or after October 1, 2015.
- Gender Specificity: ICD-10-CM coding rules clearly state that N47.1 is applicable exclusively to male patients.
Synonyms and Clinical Context of Phimosis Code N47.1
To ensure accurate identification and coding, it’s helpful to be aware of the approximate synonyms associated with ICD-10-CM code N47.1. These include:
- Iatrogenic and secondary phimosis
- Iatrogenic and secondary phymosis (a slight variation in spelling)
- Phimosis (tight foreskin) – This is the most straightforward and commonly understood synonym.
- Redundant prepuce and phimosis
- Redundant prepuce with phimosis – Describing cases where phimosis is associated with an excess of foreskin.
Clinically, phimosis, coded as N47.1, is defined as a condition in which the foreskin cannot be retracted to reveal the glans penis. This is due to the foreskin opening being too tight or narrowed. Phimosis can be either congenital (present from birth) or acquired later in life due to factors like infections or scarring.
ICD-10-CM Coding Structure and N47.1 Annotations
Within the ICD-10-CM system, codes can have annotations that provide further context and coding guidance. While not directly impacting the use of N47.1 for phimosis, it’s important to understand the concept of “annotation back-references.” These references point to codes that contain various annotations (like Applicable To, Code Also, Excludes1, etc.) which might be relevant to N47.1 in certain coding scenarios. For a complete understanding of coding guidelines, referring to the full ICD-10-CM documentation is always recommended.
Conclusion: Utilizing N47.1 for Phimosis Diagnosis Coding
In summary, ICD-10-CM code N47.1 is the precise and billable diagnosis code for phimosis. Understanding its definition, synonyms, and clinical context is essential for accurate medical coding and billing processes. Healthcare providers and medical coders should utilize N47.1 when documenting and coding diagnoses of phimosis in male patients, ensuring adherence to ICD-10-CM guidelines for compliant and effective healthcare administration.
