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N94.89
ICD-10-CM
Vaginal Discomfort

Find comprehensive information on vaginal discomfort, including causes, symptoms, and treatment options. This resource covers clinical documentation, medical coding, ICD-10 codes for vaginal pain, vulvodynia, dyspareunia, and other related conditions. Learn about diagnostic criteria, differential diagnosis, and best practices for healthcare professionals managing vaginal discomfort in patients. Explore resources for accurate coding and billing related to vaginal pain, burning, itching, and dryness.

Also known as

Vaginal Pain
Vaginal Irritation
Dyspareunia

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Discomfort in the vagina, such as itching, burning, dryness, or pain.
  • Clinical Signs : Irritation, redness, discharge, odor, dyspareunia, or spotting.
  • Common Settings : Yeast infections, BV, STIs, menopause, or contact dermatitis.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC N94.89 Coding
N89-N98

Noninflammatory disorders of female genital tract

Covers various non-inflammatory vaginal conditions like atrophy or stenosis.

R30-R39

Other symptoms and signs involving genitourinary system

Includes general genitourinary symptoms, possibly related to vaginal discomfort.

N76

Vaginitis and vulvovaginitis

Inflammation in the vagina/vulva may cause discomfort, but is a specific diagnosis.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the discomfort related to menopause?

  • Yes

    Atrophic vaginitis present?

  • No

    Infection suspected?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Vaginal discomfort
Vulvovaginitis
Vaginal dryness

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Vaginal discomfort onset date
  • Detailed symptom description (burning, itching, dryness)
  • Associated symptoms (discharge, odor, pain)
  • Pelvic exam findings (inflammation, lesions)
  • Relevant medical history (infections, menopause)

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Diagnosis

    Coding vaginal discomfort with a nonspecific code (e.g., R30.9) when a more precise diagnosis is documented, impacting data accuracy and reimbursement.

  • Missed Comorbidities

    Failing to capture related conditions like infections or atrophy alongside vaginal discomfort, leading to incomplete clinical picture and HCC risk adjustment.

  • Lack of Clinical Support

    Assigning a diagnosis of vaginal discomfort without sufficient documentation of symptoms, exam findings, or supporting diagnostic tests, increasing audit risk.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • ICD-10 codes: Rule out infection (N76, B37). Document discharge, itching specifics.
  • Vaginal discomfort CDI: Detailed HPI crucial. Quantify, qualify symptoms for Dx clarity.
  • Yeast infection? Capture KOH prep, pH results. Bacterial vaginosis? Amsel criteria.
  • Painful intercourse? Code dyspareunia (N94). Document location, duration, and severity.
  • Vulvodynia assessment? Cotton swab test. Neuropathic pain? Consider SNOMED CT codes.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm chief complaint: vaginal discomfort, itching, burning, or pain
  • Review patient history: STIs, hygiene practices, menopause status
  • Perform pelvic exam: assess discharge, inflammation, lesions
  • Consider differential diagnoses: yeast infection, BV, contact dermatitis
  • Order relevant tests: pH, wet mount, STI testing as indicated

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Vaginal discomfort reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10 coding (N89, R30) impacting claim denial rates.
  • Quality metrics like patient satisfaction and HCAHPS scores are influenced by effective vaginal discomfort management.
  • Proper coding of related procedures (e.g., pelvic exams) maximizes reimbursement and improves hospital reporting data.
  • Timely diagnosis and treatment of vaginal discomfort reduce healthcare costs associated with complications and readmissions.

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 specific discomfort type
  • Rule out infections, document
  • Consider menopause, atrophy
  • Check external cause codes
  • Validate with ICD-10 guidelines

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints of vaginal discomfort.  Symptoms include vaginal itching, burning, irritation, and dryness.  Onset of symptoms began approximately [duration] ago and is [constantintermittent].  Patient reports [aggravating factors such as intercourse, certain products, etc.] and [alleviating factors such as lubricants, avoidance of irritants, etc.].  Associated symptoms may include dyspareunia, abnormal vaginal discharge, odor, or pelvic pain.  Patient denies fever, chills, or other systemic symptoms.  Past medical history includes [relevant medical history e.g., diabetes, STIs, hormonal changes, menopause, vulvovaginal atrophy, allergies, recent antibiotic use].  Medications include [list current medications].  Physical examination reveals [external genitalia exam findings e.g., erythema, edema, excoriations, lesions, discharge characteristics including color, odor, and consistency].  Speculum examination reveals [vaginal wall and cervix appearance].  Differential diagnoses include vulvovaginitis, yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, atrophic vaginitis, contact dermatitis, and sexually transmitted infections.  Vaginal pH is [pH value].  Wet mount microscopy results [describe microscopic findings e.g., presence of clue cells, hyphae, trichomonads, WBCs].  KOH whiff test [positive or negative].  Laboratory tests ordered include [list ordered tests e.g., vaginal culture, STI testing].  Assessment:  Vaginal discomfort likely secondary to [presumptive diagnosis].  Plan:  Patient educated on proper hygiene practices, including avoiding irritants.  Prescribed [treatment e.g., antifungal medication, antibiotic therapy, topical estrogen cream, lubricant] and advised to follow up in [duration] for reevaluation.  Patient counseled on signs and symptoms to watch for and instructed to return sooner if symptoms worsen or do not improve.  Coding considerations include [relevant ICD-10 codes for vaginal discomfort, specific etiology, and related symptoms].  Billing codes will reflect the evaluation and management services provided as well as any procedures or laboratory tests performed.
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