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ICD-10 Coding for Acute Kidney Injury Unspecified(N17.9)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Acute Kidney Injury Unspecified. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Acute Renal FailureAcute Kidney Failure

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Acute Kidney Injury Unspecified

N17-N19Primary Range

Acute kidney failure and chronic kidney disease

This range includes codes for acute kidney failure, chronic kidney disease, and related conditions.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for acute kidney injury unspecified

Essential facts and insights about Acute Kidney Injury Unspecified

The ICD-10 code for acute kidney injury unspecified is N17.9, used when AKI is documented without a specified cause.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for acute kidney injury unspecified

Acute kidney failure, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Serum creatinine increase ≥1.5x baseline or ≥0.3 mg/dL within 48 hours

documentation Criteria

  • Provider must document 'acute kidney injury' or 'acute renal failure'.

Applicable To

  • Acute kidney injury
  • Acute renal failure

Excludes

  • Chronic kidney disease (N18.-)
  • Acute kidney failure with tubular necrosis (N17.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Serum creatinine increase ≥1.5x baseline or ≥0.3 mg/dL within 48 hours
  • Oliguria (<0.5 mL/kg/hr for 6+ hours)

Code-Specific Risks

  • Coding based solely on elevated creatinine without provider documentation.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure provider documentation explicitly states 'acute kidney injury' or 'acute renal failure'.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Volume depletion

E86.0
Use when AKI is due to dehydration.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Acute kidney failure with tubular necrosis

N17.0
Use when documentation specifies tubular necrosis as the cause of AKI.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Acute Kidney Injury Unspecified to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N17.9.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misinterpretation of the patient's condition., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding standards., Financial: Potential for incorrect DRG assignment and reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on correct terminology., Implement documentation audits.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to improper DRG assignment and reimbursement., Compliance: May result in audit discrepancies and compliance issues., Data Quality: Impacts the accuracy of clinical data and patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure provider documentation explicitly states 'acute kidney injury' or 'acute renal failure'.

Impact

Risk of coding AKI without sufficient clinical documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all AKI codes are supported by documented clinical indicators.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Acute Kidney Injury Unspecified, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Acute Kidney Injury Unspecified

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Acute Kidney Injury Unspecified. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Acute Kidney Injury Documentation

Specialty: Nephrology

Required Elements

  • Explicit mention of 'acute kidney injury' or 'acute renal failure'.
  • Clinical indicators such as creatinine levels and urine output.
  • Response to treatment and any underlying causes.

Example Documentation

Patient presents with acute kidney injury, creatinine increased from 1.2 to 2.1 mg/dL over 72 hours. Oliguria resolved with IV fluids.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Elevated creatinine noted.
Good Documentation Example
Acute kidney injury with creatinine rise from 1.2 to 2.1 mg/dL over 72 hours, requiring IV fluids.
Explanation
The good example explicitly states 'acute kidney injury' and provides clinical details.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Acute Kidney Injury Unspecified? Ask your questions below.

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