Code: Q53.211
Description: Bilateral intraabdominal testes
Context: This code is used for cases where a patient has both testes located within the abdomen, a condition typically known as bilateral cryptorchidism.
Guidelines for Proper Use
- Specific Diagnosis of Bilateral Intraabdominal Testes: Employ Q53.211 for patients diagnosed with both testes being undescended and located within the abdomen, a congenital condition usually identified in infancy or early childhood.
- Accurate Documentation: Ensure the healthcare provider’s documentation clearly supports a diagnosis of bilateral intraabdominal testes. The diagnosis should be based on clinical examination and, if necessary, imaging studies like ultrasound or MRI.
- Exclusion of Other Testicular Positions: Do not use Q53.211 for cases where the testes are undescended but located in positions other than the abdomen, such as in the inguinal canal.
- Differentiating from Unilateral Cryptorchidism: Be careful not to use Q53.211 for cases where only one testis is undescended (unilateral cryptorchidism), which has a different ICD-10 code.
- Compliance with Coding Standards: Utilize Q53.211 in line with clinical documentation and adhere to relevant coding guidelines, including payer-specific requirements.
Common Misuses of Q53.211
- Use for Unilateral Cryptorchidism: Misuse occurs when Q53.211 is used for patients with only one undescended testis. Each condition should be coded based on its specific diagnosis.
- Confusion with Other Testicular Disorders: Avoid using Q53.211 for other testicular conditions that do not involve undescended testes, such as testicular torsion or orchitis.
- Application to Ectopic Testes: Do not use Q53.211 for ectopic testes, where the testes are located in an abnormal position outside the normal pathway of descent.