R33.9 — Retention of urine, unspecified

R33.9

ICD-10 Chapter 18: Symptoms, Signs & Abnormal Findings — illustrative image — Chapter 18: Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00–R99) — illustrative image

What this code means

Retention of urine is inability to empty the bladder; the type is not specified here.

Also called: urinary retention, retention of urine.

When this code is used

Used for retention of urine, unspecified.

Where it sits in ICD-10-CM

Code R33.9 belongs to Chapter 18: Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified, which covers codes R00–R99 in the FY2027 ICD-10-CM tabular list. The official description above is copied verbatim from the CDC/NCHS FY2027 code file.

Related symptoms

Being unable to pass urine

Frequently asked questions

What is ICD-10-CM code R33.9?

R33.9 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for “Retention of urine, unspecified”. Retention of urine is inability to empty the bladder; the type is not specified here.

When is code R33.9 used?

Used for retention of urine, unspecified. It belongs to Chapter 18 of ICD-10-CM (Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified).

This guide explains ICD-10-CM codes in plain language for patients, students and other readers. It is educational information only — not coding, billing or medical advice. The code recorded for any real encounter is assigned from the full clinical documentation by the treating team and qualified coders, and only they can decide which code fits a specific case.