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Erectile Dysfunction K010

Document
Last amended 
14 July 2022
Current RMA Instruments
Reasonable Hypothesis SOP72 of 2022
Balance of Probabilities SOP
73 of 2022
Changes from previous Instruments

SOP Bulletin 231

 ICD Coding
  • ICD-10-AM Codes: F52.2, N48.4
Brief description

This is a functional disorder of the male penis with impaired erectile function inadequate for normal sexual intercourse. This SOP applies only to males and does not apply if the condition is temporary or transient in nature. The SOP covers both physical/organic and psychological erectile dysfunction.

Confirming the diagnosis

This is a subjective disorder. Diagnosis is based on reported symptoms.  Investigation for an organic cause may be undertaken, such as Duplex Doppler ultrasound study of the penis with injection of a vasoactive agent; nocturnal penile tumescence monitoring study; and serum male hormone tests (FSH, LH, Testosterone).

Use of erectile dysfunction drugs (Viagra [Sildenafil] or Cialis [Tadalafil]) of itself does not confirm erectile dysfunction.

The relevant medical specialist is a urologist.

Additional diagnoses that are covered by this SOP
  • Impotence
Conditions that are not covered by this SOP
  • Decreased libido - this is a symptom not a disease or injury of itself.
  • Excessive sexual drive#
  • Premature ejaculation# 
  • Delayed ejaculation or inhibited male orgasm/male orgasmic disorder# 
  • Priapism (painful erection)# 
  • Peyronie’s disease#
  • Testicular Hypogonadism/hypofunction* (hypogonadism SOP)
  • Male infertility#

* another SOP applies

# non-SOP condition

Clinical onset

This will be based on self-report of when inadequate erectile function first became persistent or recurrent.

Clincal worsening

Given the threshold nature of the diagnosis, permanent clinical worsening will be difficult to establish.  It may be manifest by previously effective treatment becoming ineffective.