What N72 covers · when clinicians use it
ICD-10 code N72 identifies Inflammatory disease of cervix uteri in the U.S. ICD-10-CM clinical and billing record set. It sits within the Genitourinary System chapter (N00–N99), the section that groups related diagnoses so providers, payers, and public-health agencies report them consistently. Clinicians and medical coders apply N72 when an encounter's findings match the Inflammatory disease of cervix uteri description, attaching it to the patient record so downstream insurance claims, payer audits, quality reporting, and epidemiological surveillance all reference the same standardized diagnosis. The ICD-10-CM is maintained by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics, with an updated official code set released each U.S. fiscal year — always verify N72 against the current CMS/CDC release and your payer's documentation guidance before final use. This page summarizes documentation context for N72 and is a coding reference, not clinical, diagnostic, or billing advice.
N72 refers to Inflammatory disease of cervix uteri, covering a range of female reproductive tract infections and inflammatory disorders involving the fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, cervix, vagina, vulva, and Bartholin’s glands.
Symptoms
- Pelvic or lower abdominal pain – Common across all pelvic inflammatory diseases (N70–N74)
- Fever and chills – Signs of active infection
- Abnormal vaginal discharge – Particularly in cervicitis (N72) and vaginitis (N76)
- Dyspareunia (painful intercourse) – Associated with inflammation of pelvic organs
- Swelling and tenderness – In Bartholin’s gland infections (N75)
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Inflammatory disease of cervix uteri includes pelvic examination, cervical swabs for microbial culture, pelvic ultrasound, laboratory tests (CBC, CRP), and sometimes diagnostic laparoscopy to assess severity and complications such as abscess formation.
ICD10 Code Usage
ICD10 code N72 is used by gynecologists, infectious disease specialists, and primary care providers to document and manage infections of the female reproductive tract, guide antibiotic therapy, and monitor for fertility-affecting complications.
Related Codes
- N70 – Salpingitis and oophoritis
- N71 – Inflammatory disease of uterus, except cervix
- N73 – Other female pelvic inflammatory diseases
- N74 – Female pelvic inflammatory disorders in diseases classified elsewhere
- N75 – Diseases of Bartholin's gland
- N76 – Other inflammation of vagina and vulva
- N77 – Vulvovaginal ulceration and inflammation in diseases classified elsewhere
FAQs
Q1: What is ICD10 code N72?
A: It refers to Inflammatory disease of cervix uteri, encompassing infections and inflammations affecting different parts of the female reproductive tract.
Q2: What causes pelvic inflammatory disease (N70–N74)?
A: It often results from sexually transmitted infections (like chlamydia or gonorrhea) ascending from the lower to upper reproductive tract.
Q3: What is a Bartholin’s gland infection (N75)?
A: It refers to infection or blockage of the Bartholin’s glands leading to painful swelling near the vaginal opening.
Q4: How is cervicitis (N72) treated?
A: Treatment typically involves antibiotics targeting the underlying infection, sometimes requiring combination therapy for polymicrobial causes.
Q5: Can untreated pelvic inflammatory disease cause complications?
A: Yes, untreated PID can lead to infertility, chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and abscess formation.
Conclusion
ICD10 code N72 ensures early diagnosis, effective management, and appropriate follow-up for Inflammatory disease of cervix uteri, helping prevent serious reproductive health complications and improving overall women's health outcomes.