From the Research
The ICD-10 code for burning with urination (dysuria) is R30.0. This code falls under the category of symptoms and signs involving the urinary system. When documenting this symptom, healthcare providers should use this specific code to accurately reflect the patient's complaint of pain or burning sensation during urination. If the underlying cause of the dysuria is identified, such as a urinary tract infection (N39.0), cystitis (N30.9), or urethritis (N34.1), then the code for the diagnosed condition should be used instead. Dysuria can result from various conditions including infections, inflammation, trauma, or structural abnormalities affecting the urinary tract.
Proper coding is essential for accurate medical records, appropriate billing, and tracking epidemiological data. When patients present with this symptom, further evaluation is typically needed to determine the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment. According to the most recent study 1, the recommended first-line empiric antibiotic therapy for acute uncomplicated bacterial cystitis in otherwise healthy adult nonpregnant females is a 5-day course of nitrofurantoin, a 3-g single dose of fosfomycin tromethamine, or a 5-day course of pivmecillinam.
Some key points to consider when treating dysuria include:
- The use of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole may be associated with a greater risk of acute kidney injury and hyperkalaemia compared to other antibiotics used to treat UTIs, but not a greater risk of death 2.
- The emergence of antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria is a growing concern, and knowledge of local susceptibility patterns is essential in determining appropriate empiric antibiotic therapy of UTIs 1.
- The treatment options for UTIs due to extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs)-producing Enterobacteriales include nitrofurantoin, fosfomycin, pivmecillinam, fluoroquinolones, and carbapenems 1.
Overall, accurate coding and appropriate treatment of dysuria are crucial to prevent complications and improve patient outcomes.