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N50.89
ICD-10-CM
Scrotal Mass

Find information on scrotal mass diagnosis, including differential diagnosis, clinical findings, ultrasound evaluation, and appropriate medical coding using ICD-10 and SNOMED CT. Learn about common symptoms, physical examination techniques, and best practices for documenting scrotal masses in healthcare settings. Explore resources for testicular pain, swelling, lumps, epididymitis, orchitis, hydrocele, spermatocele, varicocele, and testicular cancer for accurate clinical evaluation and documentation. This resource aids healthcare professionals in proper diagnosis and coding for scrotal masses.

Also known as

Testicular Mass
Scrotal Swelling

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Abnormal lump or swelling within the scrotum.
  • Clinical Signs : Painless or painful scrotal enlargement, testicular asymmetry, heaviness.
  • Common Settings : Primary care, urology, emergency department.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC N50.89 Coding
N40-N51

Diseases of male genital organs

Covers various scrotal conditions including masses.

C62

Malignant neoplasm of testis

Includes testicular cancers that can present as scrotal masses.

D48

Neoplasm of uncertain or unknown behavior of male genital organs

For scrotal masses where malignancy isn't confirmed or ruled out.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the scrotal mass painful?

  • Yes

    Is there torsion?

  • No

    Is the mass a hydrocele?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Scrotal mass
Hydrocele
Inguinal hernia

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Scrotal mass: laterality (left, right, bilateral)
  • Scrotal mass: size, shape, and consistency documented
  • Pain characteristics (onset, duration, type)
  • Transillumination findings (positive/negative)
  • Associated symptoms (e.g., fever, swelling)

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Diagnosis

    Coding scrotal mass as unspecified (e.g., N43.9) without proper documentation specifying the type of mass leads to inaccurate reporting and potential claim denials. Optimize CDI for specificity.

  • Laterality Issues

    Failing to document laterality (right, left, bilateral) for scrotal masses can lead to coding errors and affect reimbursement. CDI should query physicians to clarify laterality for accurate coding (e.g., N43.0, N43.1).

  • Hydrocele vs. Hernia

    Miscoding a hydrocele (N43.3) as an inguinal hernia (K40.-) or vice versa can impact medical necessity reviews and reimbursement. Clear documentation and CDI queries are essential for accurate differentiation.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Thorough physical exam & document testes size/consistency for accurate ICD-10 coding.
  • Detailed HPI crucial for CDI, capturing onset, location, characteristics of scrotal mass.
  • Image findings (ultrasound) must be in medical record to support diagnosis & justify billing.
  • Differential diagnosis documentation key for compliance and optimal reimbursement (HCC coding).
  • Timely follow-up documentation essential for monitoring, supports chronic condition codes.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify patient age documented (pediatric vs adult)
  • Physical exam: location, size, tenderness noted
  • Transillumination performed and result documented
  • Imaging studies (ultrasound) ordered and reviewed

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Scrotal Mass: Coding accuracy impacts reimbursement for ultrasound, surgery, pathology. Optimize ICD-10 (N43, N49, etc.) and CPT codes.
  • Quality metrics: Time to diagnosis, surgical complication rates, pathology reporting time influence hospital performance scores.
  • Accurate documentation of scrotal mass size, location, and associated symptoms is crucial for proper coding and billing.
  • Timely follow-up after scrotal mass treatment impacts patient outcomes and hospital readmission rates, affecting value-based care.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes. Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code N28.8 for unspecified scrotal mass
  • Rule out hernia, hydrocele first
  • Document size, location, consistency
  • Consider ultrasound findings for specificity
  • If malignant, code primary site

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with a chief complaint of scrotal mass, swelling, or lump.  Onset of scrotal mass is documented as (acute, chronic, insidious).  Patient reports (presence or absence) of associated symptoms including scrotal pain, testicular pain, inguinal pain,  heaviness, tenderness, redness, discoloration, or change in testicular size.  Location of the scrotal mass is noted as (left, right, bilateral) and described as (soft, firm, hard, mobile, fixed, tender, non-tender).  Transillumination exam (performed, not performed) with findings documented as (transilluminating, non-transilluminating).  Differential diagnosis includes hydrocele, spermatocele, varicocele, epididymitis, orchitis, testicular torsion, inguinal hernia, and testicular cancer.  Physical examination reveals (detailed findings including size, shape, and consistency of the mass, as well as assessment of the testes, epididymis, and spermatic cord).  Medical history includes (relevant past medical and surgical history, medications, allergies, and family history).  Imaging studies, such as scrotal ultrasound, may be ordered to further evaluate the scrotal mass and characterize its nature.  Preliminary diagnosis of (specific diagnosis if possible, or differential diagnosis if further investigation is needed) is made.  Treatment plan may include observation, antibiotics if infection is suspected, surgical intervention such as hydrocelectomy, spermatocelectomy, or orchiectomy depending on the diagnosis, and pain management with analgesics.  Patient education provided on the importance of follow-up care and self-examination.  Referral to urology or oncology may be warranted depending on the diagnostic findings.