ICD-10 R33
Non-Billable HeaderRetention of urine
About ICD-10-CM R33
ICD-10-CM code R33 represents Retention of urine. This is a non-billable header code in the Symptoms, Signs, and Abnormal Findings chapter (block R33). The 2026 edition of ICD-10-CM R33 became effective on October 1, 2025. Non-billable codes cannot be used as a primary or secondary diagnosis on a claim, use a more specific child code instead.
Type 1 Excludes
Pure excludes, these codes can never be coded together with R33. The conditions are mutually exclusive (e.g., congenital vs acquired forms).
- psychogenic retention of urine (F45.8)
Medicare LCD Coverage for R33
Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) from CMS MACs that list R33 as a covered diagnosis.
This doesn't mean the code isn't covered, it means no MAC has issued a Local Coverage Determination naming this specific code. Coverage may still apply under National Coverage Determinations or general medical-necessity rules.
Commercial Payer Coverage
Coverage policies from major commercial payers referencing R33.
Our payer policy database covers Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, BCBS, Humana, and Medicare Advantage plans, but R33 doesn't currently appear in any indexed policy. The code may still be covered under standard plan benefits.
CPT Codes Commonly Billed with R33
Procedures frequently paired with this diagnosis based on PayerReady's Dx↔Px linkage data.
- 51700 Insertion of indwelling bladder catheter Urology
- 51701 Insertion of indwelling bladder catheter, with fluoroscopic guidance Urology
- 51702 Insertion of indwelling bladder catheter, with ultrasound guidance Urology
- 51720 Change of indwelling bladder catheter Urology
- 51798 Other procedures related to indwelling bladder catheter Urology
- 51703 Insertion of indwelling bladder catheter, with cystoscopy Urology
- 51704 Change of indwelling bladder catheter, with cystoscopy Urology
- 51705 Insertion of suprapubic catheter Urology
- 51710 Change of suprapubic catheter Urology
- 51715 Insertion of ureteral catheter Urology
Codes Adjacent To R33
Other codes in section R30-R39 (Symptoms and signs involving the genitourinary system).
ICD-10 R33, Billing FAQ
Is ICD-10 code R33 billable? +
No, R33 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code from block R33 when submitting claims.
What codes are Type 1 Excludes for R33? +
Type 1 Excludes (never code together with R33): psychogenic retention of urine (F45.8)
What CPT codes are commonly billed with R33? +
Procedures frequently paired with R33 include: 51700, 51701, 51702, 51720, 51798.
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Reviewed by the PayerReady Medical Coding Team
Verified against the CMS 2026 code set on May 31, 2026.
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