Splitting of urinary stream

This code describes the symptom of a urinary stream that is not a single, cohesive flow, but rather divides or sprays. It indicates a disruption in the normal voiding pattern, often suggesting an underlying issue affecting the urethra or bladder neck.

Assign this code when documentation explicitly states the patient experiences a "splitting" or "forking" of their urinary stream. This symptom is frequently reported by patients and can be associated with conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), urethral stricture, or meatal stenosis.

• Do not confuse with codes for urinary hesitancy (R39.11) or weak urinary stream (R39.12).
• Always code the underlying cause if known and documented (e.g., BPH, urethral stricture) as a primary diagnosis, with this code as a secondary symptom.
• Ensure the provider's documentation clearly specifies "splitting" of the stream, not just a general difficulty with urination.