Poor urinary stream

This code signifies a patient's subjective complaint or objective finding of a weak or diminished flow of urine during micturition. It indicates a reduced force and caliber of the urinary stream, often leading to prolonged voiding times. This symptom can be indicative of various underlying urological conditions.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states "poor urinary stream," "weak stream," "slow stream," or similar descriptions of reduced urine flow. This symptom is frequently encountered in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), urethral strictures, or bladder outlet obstruction.

• Do not use this code as a primary diagnosis if a more specific underlying cause (e.g., BPH with urinary obstruction) is documented.
• Consider sequencing this code after the definitive diagnosis for the cause of the poor stream, if known.
• Distinguish from "urinary hesitancy" (R39.11), which refers to difficulty initiating urination, though both can coexist.