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N50.89
ICD-10-CM
Testicular Microlithiasis

Learn about testicular microlithiasis diagnosis, including clinical documentation requirements, ICD-10 code N50.8, and SNOMED CT concepts. Find information on ultrasound findings, differential diagnosis, and management of testicular microlithiasis for healthcare professionals and patients. Explore resources on scrotal ultrasound coding, medical billing guidelines, and the importance of accurate clinical documentation in testicular microlithiasis cases.

Also known as

Testicular Calcifications
Microlithiasis of Testis

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Tiny calcium deposits within the testicles, usually harmless.
  • Clinical Signs : Typically asymptomatic, often found incidentally on scrotal ultrasound.
  • Common Settings : Routine ultrasound, infertility evaluation, testicular pain assessment.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC N50.89 Coding
N73-N73

Diseases of male genital organs

Encompasses various disorders affecting the male reproductive system.

R30-R39

Other symptoms and signs involving

Includes symptoms related to the urinary system, sometimes seen with microlithiasis.

Z00-Z99

Factors influencing health status

Covers screenings and encounters related to potential health issues like microlithiasis.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is testicular microlithiasis confirmed?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Tiny calcium deposits in testes
Testicular Cancer
Epididymitis

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Testicular microlithiasis ICD-10 N50.89
  • Scrotal ultrasound findings
  • Number/size of microliths
  • Associated testicular pathology
  • Patient education documented

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Laterality

    Coding lacks laterality (right, left, bilateral) impacting reimbursement and data analysis. CDI should query for specificity.

  • Incidental Finding Code

    Using N76.89 risks downcoding. Ensure documentation supports microlithiasis as the primary reason for the encounter/study.

  • Missing Supporting Documentation

    Lack of imaging report specifying microlithiasis can lead to audit denials. CDI needs to ensure clear documentation.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document testicular ultrasound findings, ICD-10 N50.89, for accurate coding.
  • CDI: Correlate microlithiasis with other diagnoses for complete clinical picture.
  • Monitor patients with risk factors, family history, or prior testicular cancer.
  • Healthcare compliance: Ensure informed consent for procedures and follow-up.
  • Regular self-exams crucial. Educate patients on early detection, improve outcomes.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Scrotal ultrasound confirms microlithiasis (ICD-10 N43.82)
  • Document size, number, and distribution of microliths
  • Assess risk factors: infertility, cryptorchidism, testicular cancer
  • Correlate with patient history and physical exam findings
  • Consider follow-up ultrasound per established guidelines

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Testicular Microlithiasis: Reimbursement and Quality Metrics Impact Summary
  • ICD-10: N50.89, CPT: 76870 (scrotal ultrasound), accurate coding crucial for optimal reimbursement.
  • Denial risk reduction: Clear documentation linking microlithiasis with symptoms/follow-up improves claim approval.
  • Quality reporting: Microlithiasis not directly tied to public quality metrics, but incidental findings influence reporting.
  • Cost impact: Ultrasound cost varies, financial counseling helps patients understand potential out-of-pocket expenses.

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 N50.81 for TM
  • Document scrotal ultrasound findings
  • Check medical necessity for biopsy
  • Correlate with other testicular conditions
  • Consider family history of testicular cancer

Documentation Templates

Patient presents for evaluation of scrotal discomfort or incidental finding of testicular microlithiasis (TM) on scrotal ultrasound.  The patient reports (insert patient-reported symptoms e.g., no pain, dull ache, sharp pain, intermittent pain) in the affected testicle. Physical examination reveals (insert findings e.g., normal testicular size and consistency, palpable abnormality, tenderness to palpation).  Scrotal ultrasound demonstrates multiple bright punctate foci consistent with microliths within the testicular parenchyma, bilaterally or unilaterally (specify which testicle).  Differential diagnoses considered include testicular tumor, epididymitis, orchitis, and varicocele.  Given the presence of testicular microlithiasis, risk factors for testicular cancer such as personal or family history of testicular cancer, cryptorchidism, Klinefelter syndrome, and infertility were reviewed with the patient.  (Indicate if present or absent). Patient counseling included a discussion of the potential association between TM and testicular germ cell tumors, although the absolute risk remains low.  Current guidelines recommend self-testicular examination and close follow-up with serial scrotal ultrasounds (specify frequency, e.g., every 6-12 months) for surveillance.  Patient education regarding signs and symptoms of testicular cancer was provided.  Plan includes continued monitoring for any changes in testicular size, consistency, or new symptoms.  ICD-10 code N50.81 (Testicular atrophy) and CPT code 76870 (Scrotal ultrasound, complete) are appropriate for this encounter. This documentation supports medical necessity for ongoing surveillance.
Testicular Microlithiasis - AI-Powered ICD-10 Documentation