Name of the Condition

• Scrotal Pain (ICD-10-CM Code: N50.82)

Summary

• Scrotal pain refers to discomfort or pain located in the scrotal region, which is the pouch of skin containing the testicles. This condition can vary in severity and may be an indicator of an underlying medical issue.

Causes

• Scrotal pain can be caused by a variety of factors including infections (such as epididymitis or orchitis), trauma, testicular torsion, inguinal hernia, hydrocele, or varicocele.

Risk Factors

• Risk factors include engaging in high-impact sports, having a history of similar conditions or infections (e.g., sexually transmitted infections), or congenital abnormalities like an undescended testicle.

Symptoms

• Common symptoms include significant pain or aching in the scrotum, swelling, redness, fever, or nausea. The pain may develop suddenly or gradually.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis often involves a physical examination, patient history assessment, and may include ultrasounds to visualize the scrotal contents, urine tests, and blood tests to check for infections.

Treatment Options

• Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Antibiotics are used for bacterial infections, while surgical intervention may be required for testicular torsion. Pain management includes analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• The prognosis varies depending on the cause and timeliness of treatment. Regular follow-up is crucial to monitor recovery and prevent complications.

Complications

• Untreated scrotal pain can lead to complications such as infertility, chronic pain, or loss of a testicle in cases like testicular torsion.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Wearing protective gear during sports, practicing safe sex, and regular self-examinations can help prevent some causes of scrotal pain.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Immediate medical attention is necessary for sudden, severe scrotal pain, swelling, or if the pain is accompanied by systemic symptoms like high fever or nausea.

Additional Resources

• The American Urological Association (AUA) and the Urology Care Foundation provide reliable information on scrotal pain and related conditions.

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure precision by verifying the specific cause of scrotal pain when possible, as this will inform the correct use of additional codes.
• Avoid coding errors by distinguishing scrotal pain symptoms from its underlying causes which might require separate coding (e.g., epididymitis or torsion).