ICD-10 Coding for Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3(N18.30, N18.31, N18.32)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3
N18.30-N18.32Primary Range
Chronic kidney disease, stage 3
This range includes specific codes for CKD stage 3, differentiating between unspecified, stage 3a, and stage 3b.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| N18.30 | Chronic kidney disease, stage 3 unspecified | Use when CKD stage 3 is documented without specifying 3a or 3b. |
|
| N18.31 | Chronic kidney disease, stage 3a | Use when CKD stage 3a is documented with eGFR 45-59. |
|
| N18.32 | Chronic kidney disease, stage 3b | Use when CKD stage 3b is documented with eGFR 30-44. |
|
Clinical Decision Support
Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for CKD stage 3
Essential facts and insights about Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for ckd3
Decision Criteria
documentation Criteria
- Use when CKD stage 3 is documented without further detail.
Applicable To
- CKD stage 3 without further specification
Excludes
- End stage renal disease (N18.6)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documentation of CKD stage 3 without further specification
Code-Specific Risks
- Potential for under-coding if stage 3a or 3b is not specified
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation supports the use of unspecified stage.
N18.31 - Chronic kidney disease, stage 3a
Use when CKD stage 3a is documented with eGFR 45-59.
Applicable To
- CKD stage 3a
- eGFR 45-59
Excludes
- End stage renal disease (N18.6)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- eGFR between 45-59 documented within the last 90 days
Coding Notes
Ensure eGFR values are current and documented.
N18.32 - Chronic kidney disease, stage 3b
Use when CKD stage 3b is documented with eGFR 30-44.
Applicable To
- CKD stage 3b
- eGFR 30-44
Excludes
- End stage renal disease (N18.6)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- eGFR between 30-44 documented within the last 90 days
Coding Notes
Ensure eGFR values are current and documented.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3 to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N18.30.
Impact
Clinical: Leads to vague treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Educate providers on importance of staging, Use templates to ensure complete documentation
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Query provider to specify CKD stage.
Impact
Risk of audits due to unspecified CKD stages.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure eGFR and stage are documented in every patient encounter.
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 Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Nephrology consult for CKD3
Specialty: NephrologyRequired Elements
- Chronic Kidney Disease Stage
- GFR
- Albuminuria Stage
- Etiology
- Symptoms
- Management Plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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