Urology Coding Alert

Keep these options in mind for success.

Azoospermia is the absence of any sperm in the semen. There are two types:

• Non-obstructive azoospermia, which usually results from absent intratesticular sperm production.
• Obstructive azoospermia, which is caused by extra-testicular obstruction or blockage of the normal pathway through which sperm are delivered into the ejaculate. Obstructions may occur at the efferent ductules of the epididymis or in the vasa deferens.

Distinguish the difference: You’ll need to know the cause of the patient’s azoospermia before you can choose the proper diagnosis code. The azoospermia codes are found in the N46 (Male infertility) section of the ICD-10-CM manual. Your options are:

• N46.01 -- Organic azoospermia
• N46.02 -- Azoospermia due to extra-testicular causes.

When you report N46.02, you will also need to code a sixth digit, the associated cause using one of the following:

• N46.021 -- Azoospermia due to drug therapy
• N46.022 -- ... due to infection
• N46.023 -- ... due to obstruction of efferent ducts
• N46.024 -- ... due to radiation
• N46.025 -- ... due to systemic disease
• N46.029 -- ... due to other extra-testicular causes.

Physician documentation: Your urologist will need to identify the type of azoospermia, citing the pathological and/or anatomical cause of the condition. Encourage your physician to start now so that you’re not faced with coding delays and possible loss of revenue.