ICD-10 Coding for Hydronephrosis(N13.30, N13.2, N13.6, Q62.0)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Hydronephrosis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Hydronephrosis
N13.0-N13.9Primary Range
Obstructive and reflux uropathy
This range includes codes for hydronephrosis and related conditions, covering both obstructive and non-obstructive causes.
Congenital obstructive defects of renal pelvis and ureter
This range includes congenital causes of hydronephrosis, relevant for pediatric and prenatal cases.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| N13.30 | Unspecified hydronephrosis | Use when hydronephrosis is confirmed but the cause is not specified or known. |
|
| N13.2 | Hydronephrosis with renal and ureteral calculous obstruction | Use when hydronephrosis is caused by a calculous obstruction confirmed by imaging. |
|
| N13.6 | Pyonephrosis | Use when hydronephrosis is complicated by infection, confirmed by imaging and lab tests. |
|
| Q62.0 | Congenital hydronephrosis | Use for congenital cases identified in prenatal or early childhood. |
|
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 hydronephrosis
Essential facts and insights about Hydronephrosis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hydronephrosis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Imaging shows renal pelvis dilation without obstruction.
Applicable To
- Hydronephrosis without specific cause
Excludes
- Congenital hydronephrosis (Q62.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Imaging evidence of renal pelvis dilation without identifiable cause
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of under-coding if cause is known but not documented
Coding Notes
- Ensure imaging confirms hydronephrosis before using this code.
N13.2 - Hydronephrosis with renal and ureteral calculous obstruction
Use when hydronephrosis is caused by a calculous obstruction confirmed by imaging.
Applicable To
- Hydronephrosis due to kidney stones
Excludes
- Pyonephrosis (N13.6)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- CT scan showing stone causing obstruction
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies the stone and its location.
N13.6 - Pyonephrosis
Use when hydronephrosis is complicated by infection, confirmed by imaging and lab tests.
Applicable To
- Infection in obstructed kidney
Excludes
- Hydronephrosis without infection (N13.2)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Imaging showing pus in renal pelvis
- Positive urine culture
Coding Notes
Ensure infection is documented with lab results.
Q62.0 - Congenital hydronephrosis
Use for congenital cases identified in prenatal or early childhood.
Applicable To
- Prenatal hydronephrosis
Excludes
- Acquired hydronephrosis (N13.30)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Prenatal ultrasound showing hydronephrosis
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies congenital nature.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hydronephrosis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N13.30.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate treatment plans, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential denial of claims
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure lab results are reviewed and documented, Query providers for missing information
Impact
Reimbursement: Potential underpayment due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data affecting clinical statistics.
Mitigation Strategy
Specify the cause and use the appropriate code, such as N13.2 for stone-related obstruction.
Impact
High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used without supporting documentation.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all documentation supports the specificity of the code used.
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 Hydronephrosis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Hydronephrosis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Hydronephrosis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Acute hydronephrosis due to ureteral stone
Specialty: UrologyRequired Elements
- Patient symptoms
- Imaging findings
- Lab results
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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