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ICD-10 Coding for End-Stage Renal Disease(N18.6, Z99.2)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for End-Stage Renal Disease. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

ESRDChronic Kidney Disease Stage 5

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to End-Stage Renal Disease

N18.5-N18.6Primary Range

Chronic Kidney Disease, Stage 5 and End-Stage Renal Disease

This range includes codes for the most advanced stages of chronic kidney disease, specifically focusing on ESRD.

Dependence on renal dialysis

This code is used to indicate a patient's dependence on dialysis, which is common in ESRD cases.

Hypertensive chronic kidney disease with stage 5 chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease

This code is used when hypertension is a contributing factor to ESRD.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic chronic kidney disease

This code is used when diabetes is a contributing factor to ESRD.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
N18.6End-stage renal diseaseUse when the patient is diagnosed with ESRD and requires dialysis.
  • GFR <15 mL/min/1.73m²
  • Documentation of dialysis dependence
  • Clinical symptoms such as fatigue, edema, uremia
Z99.2Dependence on renal dialysisUse when the patient is dependent on dialysis as part of ESRD management.
  • Documentation of regular dialysis sessions
  • Clinical notes indicating chronic dialysis requirement

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 end-stage renal disease

Essential facts and insights about End-Stage Renal Disease

The ICD-10 code for end-stage renal disease is N18.6, used for patients in the final stage of chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for end-stage renal disease

End-stage renal disease
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient has GFR <15 mL/min/1.73m² and is on dialysis.

documentation Criteria

  • Ensure documentation specifies ESRD and dialysis dependence.

Applicable To

  • Chronic kidney disease stage 5 requiring dialysis

Excludes

  • Acute kidney failure (N17.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • GFR <15 mL/min/1.73m²
  • Documentation of dialysis dependence
  • Clinical symptoms such as fatigue, edema, uremia

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure chronicity is documented to avoid confusion with acute renal failure.

Coding Notes

  • Always verify the stage of CKD and document any underlying conditions contributing to ESRD.

Ancillary Codes

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

Dependence on renal dialysis

Z99.2
Use to indicate that the patient is dependent on dialysis.

Differential Codes

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

Chronic kidney disease, stage 5

N18.5
Use N18.5 when the patient is not yet on dialysis but has CKD stage 5.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting End-Stage Renal Disease to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N18.6.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement for dialysis services.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure dialysis is documented in every patient encounter., Use templates that prompt for dialysis status.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on patient health records.

Mitigation Strategy

Clarify if the condition is chronic and specify the stage.

Impact

Misstaging CKD can lead to incorrect coding and billing.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular training on CKD staging and documentation requirements.

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 End-Stage Renal Disease, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for End-Stage Renal Disease

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for End-Stage Renal Disease. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Nephrology consult for ESRD management

Specialty: Nephrology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Current dialysis regimen
  • GFR and lab results
  • Comorbid conditions

Example Documentation

Patient presents with ESRD secondary to type 2 diabetes. GFR is 10 mL/min. Currently on hemodialysis three times a week. Plan includes continuation of dialysis and monitoring of electrolytes.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has renal failure.
Good Documentation Example
Patient has ESRD due to type 2 diabetes, currently on hemodialysis.
Explanation
The good example specifies the stage of kidney disease and the underlying cause, which is necessary for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for End-Stage Renal Disease? Ask your questions below.

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