Infection of incontinent external stoma of urinary tract

This code signifies an infection occurring at the site of an external urinary stoma that is not continent, meaning it continuously or intermittently drains urine. This typically involves the skin and subcutaneous tissues surrounding the stoma, often presenting with erythema, tenderness, purulent discharge, or fever. It indicates a localized inflammatory response to pathogenic microorganisms within the stoma's opening.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates an infection of a non-continent external urinary stoma, such as a urostomy or nephrostomy, in a patient. This diagnosis is supported by provider notes detailing signs and symptoms of infection at the stoma site, positive cultures, or a clinical diagnosis of stoma site infection. It is appropriate when the stoma is explicitly described as incontinent or when its nature implies continuous drainage.

• Ensure documentation specifies "incontinent" or provides context implying continuous drainage; otherwise, consider N99.520 for a continent stoma infection.
• Always code the underlying condition necessitating the urinary diversion first, if applicable, followed by this code.
• Look for specific details regarding the type of urinary stoma (e.g., ileal conduit, cutaneous ureterostomy) in the medical record to provide further specificity if available, though not required for this particular code.