Straining to void

This code signifies a patient's reported difficulty or effort required to initiate or complete urination. It describes the subjective sensation of straining during micturition, often indicative of an underlying urinary tract issue.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states the patient experiences straining to void. This symptom is frequently associated with conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia, urethral stricture, bladder outlet obstruction, or neurogenic bladder dysfunction.

• Do not use this code for painful urination (dysuria) unless straining is also specifically documented.
• Always code the underlying cause of the straining to void, if known and documented, in addition to this symptom code.
• Ensure documentation clearly distinguishes straining from hesitancy or incomplete bladder emptying, though they may co-occur.