Other artificial opening of urinary tract status

This code signifies the presence of an artificial opening in the urinary tract, excluding those specifically for cystostomy or urethrostomy. It indicates a surgically created pathway for urine drainage or access, such as a nephrostomy or ureterostomy. This status code is used to document the ongoing presence of such an opening.

Use this code when a patient has a permanent or temporary artificial opening of the urinary tract other than a cystostomy or urethrostomy. This includes patients with a nephrostomy tube, ureterostomy, or ileal conduit (urostomy) for urinary diversion. It is typically used as a secondary diagnosis to indicate the patient's current anatomical status.

• Always code the underlying condition necessitating the artificial opening first.
• Do not use this code for a patient with a Foley catheter or other temporary indwelling catheter that is not a surgically created opening.
• Distinguish carefully from cystostomy (V44.5) and urethrostomy (V44.4) status codes.