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ICD-10 Coding for Atrophy of Kidney(N26.1)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Atrophy of Kidney. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Renal AtrophyTerminal Kidney Atrophy

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Atrophy of Kidney

N25-N29Primary Range

Other disorders of kidney and ureter

This range includes codes for various kidney disorders, including atrophy of the kidney.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for terminal kidney atrophy

Essential facts and insights about Atrophy of Kidney

The ICD-10 code for terminal kidney atrophy is N26.1, used when confirmed by imaging and clinical findings.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for atrophy kidney

Atrophy of kidney, terminal
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Kidney length <8 cm and GFR <15 mL/min

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation of 'terminal atrophy'

Applicable To

  • Terminal atrophy of kidney

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Kidney length <8 cm on imaging
  • GFR <15 mL/min/1.73 m²
  • Documentation of 'terminal' or 'end-stage' atrophy

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if 'terminal' is not documented
  • Incorrect sequencing with CKD codes

Coding Notes

  • Ensure 'terminal' is documented to use N26.1.

Ancillary Codes

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

End stage renal disease

N18.6
Sequence first if atrophy leads to dialysis.

Dependence on renal dialysis

Z99.2
Use if the patient is on dialysis.

Differential Codes

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

Other specified kidney disorders

N28.89
Use for non-terminal atrophy or unspecified kidney disorders.

Page kidney

N13.5
Use if atrophy is due to compression by a hematoma or fibrosis.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Atrophy of Kidney to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N26.1.

Impact

Clinical: Ambiguity in treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document laterality when applicable., Use templates that prompt for laterality.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect reimbursement due to misclassification., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Query for clarification if 'terminal' is not documented.

Impact

N26.1 used as primary instead of N18.6.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coders on proper sequencing rules.

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 Atrophy of Kidney, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Atrophy of Kidney

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

Terminal kidney atrophy with ESRD

Specialty: Nephrology

Required Elements

  • Patient symptoms
  • GFR and imaging results
  • Dialysis status

Example Documentation

Subjective: 'Fatigue, nausea, no urine output x2 days.' Objective: BP 180/95, JVD present. Labs: Cr 8.2 mg/dL, GFR 10 mL/min. CT: Bilateral kidneys 5.3 cm (right), 5.1 cm (left), cortical thinning. Assessment: 1. ESRD (N18.6) secondary to hypertensive nephropathy (I12.9) 2. Terminal bilateral renal atrophy (N26.1) Plan: Initiate hemodialysis (Z99.2)

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Kidney shrinkage noted.
Good Documentation Example
Terminal atrophy of left kidney (4.2 cm) with GFR 12 mL/min, confirmed by contrast CT.
Explanation
The good example specifies 'terminal', includes measurements, and confirms with imaging.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Atrophy of Kidney? Ask your questions below.

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