What is Abnormal Uterine Bleeding and the ICD 10 Code for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding?
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on ICD 10 code for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding. Delve into the intricacies of coding this condition and gain valuable insights into its causes, diagnosis, and treatment options. Stay informed and ensure accurate coding practices.
Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a condition characterized by bleeding from the uterus that is irregular, excessive, prolonged, or occurs at an abnormal time. AUB can affect women of any age, but it is more common among women who are approaching menopause or who have hormonal imbalances.
The normal menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days, with bleeding lasting for about 4 to 5 days. The amount of blood loss during a normal menstrual period is about 30 to 40 milliliters (ml). AUB is defined as bleeding that deviates from this pattern in terms of frequency, duration, volume, or timing.
Common Causes of AUB
- Hormonal disorders (e.g., polycystic ovary syndrome, thyroid disease, diabetes)
- Structural abnormalities of the uterus or cervix (e.g., fibroids, polyps, adenomyosis, cancer)
- Infections or inflammation of the pelvic organs (e.g., endometritis, pelvic inflammatory disease)
- Medications or devices that affect the menstrual cycle (e.g., oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices, anticoagulants)
- Pregnancy-related complications (e.g., miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, placenta previa)
Signs and Symptoms of AUB
AUB can cause various signs and symptoms depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Some common manifestations include:
- Bleeding between periods
- Bleeding after sexual intercourse
- Bleeding after menopause
- Heavy menstrual bleeding (more than 80 ml per cycle or lasting longer than 7 days)
- Irregular menstrual cycles (shorter than 24 days or longer than 38 days)
- Anemia (low red blood cell count) due to blood loss
- Pain or cramping in the lower abdomen or pelvis
- Fatigue, weakness, or dizziness
Diagnosis and Treatment
AUB is a serious condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. The diagnosis of AUB is based on the medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. The treatment of AUB depends on the underlying cause and the patient’s preferences. The main goals of treatment are to stop the bleeding, prevent complications, and improve the quality of life. Some possible treatment options include:
- Hormonal therapy (e.g., oral contraceptives, progestins, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists) to regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce bleeding
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and pain
- Tranexamic acid to reduce blood loss
- Iron supplements to treat anemia
- Surgery (e.g., dilation and curettage, endometrial ablation, hysterectomy) to remove the source of bleeding or the entire uterus
What is ICD 10 Code for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding?
In ICD-10-CM, abnormal uterine bleeding is coded as N93.9 – Abnormal uterine and vaginal bleeding, unspecified. This code is a billable/specific code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. The code N93.9 is applicable to any type of abnormal uterine or vaginal bleeding that is not specified elsewhere.
The code N93.9 belongs to the category N93 – Other abnormal uterine and vaginal bleeding. This category includes various types of abnormal bleeding from the uterus or vagina that are not classified under other categories, such as:
- N92 – Excessive, frequent, and irregular menstruation
- N94 – Pain and other conditions associated with female genital organs and menstrual cycle
- N95 – Menopausal and other perimenopausal disorders
- O20 – O26 – Pregnancy-related hemorrhage
The code N93.9 has some exclusions that should be noted:
- Neonatal vaginal hemorrhage (P54.6)
- Precocious puberty (menstruation) (E30.1)
- Pseudomenses (P54.6)
These conditions have their own specific codes in ICD-10-CM and should not be coded with N93.9.
The code N93.9 should be sequenced according to the coding guidelines for chapters N00-N99 – Diseases of the genitourinary system. The general rule is to code first the underlying condition that caused the abnormal uterine bleeding, followed by code N93.9 to indicate the manifestation.
For example:
- D25.9 – Leiomyoma of uterus, unspecified > N93.9 – Abnormal uterine and vaginal bleeding, unspecified
- E28.0 – Estrogen excess > N93.9 – Abnormal uterine and vaginal bleeding, unspecified
- O03.4 – Incomplete spontaneous abortion without complication > N93.9 – Abnormal uterine and vaginal bleeding, unspecified
The code N93.9 should also be used in conjunction with other codes to specify the clinical details of the condition, such as:
- R50.2 – Drug-induced fever
- R53.83 – Other fatigue
- R63.0 – Anorexia
- R63.1 – Polydipsia
- R63.2 – Polyphagia
- R64 – Cachexia
- Z30.011 – Encounter for initial prescription of contraceptive pills
- Z30.430 – Encounter for insertion of intrauterine contraceptive device
For example:
- N93.9 – Abnormal uterine and vaginal bleeding, unspecified > R50.2 – Drug-induced fever > Z30.011 – Encounter for initial prescription of contraceptive pills
Summary
Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a condition characterized by bleeding from the uterus that is irregular, excessive, prolonged, or occurs at an abnormal time. AUB can have various causes and effects on the health and well-being of women. AUB is coded as N93.9 – Abnormal uterine and vaginal bleeding, unspecified in ICD-10-CM. This code should be used in combination with other codes to specify the cause and the manifestations of the condition.
References
(1) N93.9 – ICD-10 Code for Abnormal uterine and vaginal bleeding ….
(2) 2023 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code N93.9: Abnormal uterine and vaginal ….
(3) 2023 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code N93.8: Other specified abnormal uterine ….
(4) N93.8 – Other specified abnormal uterine and vaginal bleeding.
FAQs
Q: What is abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB)?
A: AUB is irregular, excessive, prolonged, or untimely bleeding from the uterus.
Q: What causes AUB?
A: AUB can result from hormonal disorders, structural abnormalities, infections, medications, or pregnancy-related issues.
Q: What are the signs and symptoms of AUB?
A: AUB can cause bleeding between periods, after intercourse, or menopause, heavy bleeding, irregular cycles, anemia, pain, fatigue, or dizziness.
Q: How is AUB diagnosed and treated?
A: Diagnosis involves history, examination, and tests. Treatment depends on the cause and may include hormonal therapy, NSAIDs, iron supplements, or surgery.
Q: How is AUB coded in ICD-10-CM?
A: AUB is coded as N93.9 – Abnormal uterine and vaginal bleeding, unspecified, used with additional codes for cause and manifestations.
Q: What are the coding rules for AUB in ICD-10-CM?
A: Code N93.9 excludes neonatal vaginal hemorrhage, precocious puberty, and pseudomenses. Follow coding guidelines for sequencing underlying conditions with N93.9 to indicate manifestation.