Is ICD-10-CM code R36 billable?

No, R36 (Urethral discharge) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM code. It must be coded to a more specific subcategory before it can be used for reimbursement.

What chapter does ICD-10-CM code R36 belong to?

R36 belongs to Chapter 18 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: R00–R99 (Symptoms, Signs and Abnormal Clinical and Laboratory Findings).

R36Not billable, use a more specific code below

Urethral discharge

In Symptoms and signs involving the genitourinary system (R30-R39), chapter 18: Symptoms, Signs and Abnormal Clinical and Laboratory Findings

3 billable codes under R36: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Official coding guidelines

From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.

Covers when to report symptom, sign, and abnormal finding codes (R00-R99), plus specific rules for falls, coma scales, non-infectious SIRS, death NOS, and NIHSS scores.

Use of symptom codes (page 75)
Use of a symptom code with a definitive diagnosis code (page 75)
Combination codes that include symptoms (page 75)
Repeated falls (page 76)
Coma (page 76)
Functional quadriplegia (page 76)
SIRS due to Non-Infectious Process (page 77)
Death NOS (page 77)

Read Section I.C.18 (page 75), 1 more topics

All codes under R36

R36 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

R36 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, the billable codes under R36 group to MS-DRG 695, 696, 729, or 730 (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

DRG 695 Kidney and Urinary Tract Signs and Symptoms with MCC (2 of 3 codes)
DRG 696 Kidney and Urinary Tract Signs and Symptoms without MCC (2 of 3 codes)
DRG 729 Other Male Reproductive System Diagnoses with CC/MCC (1 of 3 codes)
DRG 730 Other Male Reproductive System Diagnoses without CC/MCC (1 of 3 codes)

About the condition

Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.

Urethral Disorders

The urethra is the tube that allows urine to pass out of the body. In men, it's a long tube that runs through the penis. It also carries semen in men. In women, it's short and is just above the vagina. Urethral problems may happen due to aging, illness, or injury. They include:

Code history

Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.