Created Oct 2021
Query
We would like clarification on what diagnosis code to assign for painful bladder syndrome.
With the nomenclature of painful bladder syndrome (PBS) and interstitial cystitis (IC) being the same or similar we have historically been assigning N30.1 Interstitial cystitis (chronic) and adding the free text of painful bladder syndrome (in the absence of IC as the specified cause). However, we wonder if we should be coding PBS to R39.8 Other and unspecified symptoms and signs involving the urinary system and U91 Syndrome not elsewhere classified in cases where interstitial cystitis is not specified as the cause.
Response
Without further documentation or clarification from a clinician stating interstitial cystitis as the cause for the painful bladder syndrome, cases should be coded as per ACS 0005 Syndrome.
Therefore, the diagnosis codes assigned for documentation of painful bladder syndrome will be R39.8 Other and unspecified symptoms and signs involving the urinary system and U91 Syndrome not elsewhere classified.
Free text should be used to specify ‘painful bladder syndrome’.