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ICD-10 Coding for Left Renal Stone(N20.0, N13.2)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Left Renal Stone. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Left Kidney StoneLeft Nephrolithiasis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left Renal Stone

N20-N23Primary Range

Urolithiasis

This range includes codes for stones in the urinary tract, including renal stones.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
N20.0Calculus of kidneyUse when a kidney stone is confirmed without hydronephrosis.
  • CT scan confirming stone presence
  • Documented left flank pain
  • Urinalysis showing hematuria
N13.2Hydronephrosis with renal and ureteral calculus obstructionUse when hydronephrosis is present due to a stone.
  • Imaging showing hydronephrosis
  • Obstructing stone confirmed

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 left kidney stone

Essential facts and insights about Left Renal Stone

The ICD-10 code for a left kidney stone is N20.0, used when hydronephrosis is not present.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for left renal stone

Calculus of kidney
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of kidney stone confirmed by imaging

documentation Criteria

  • Documented absence of hydronephrosis

Applicable To

  • Kidney stone
  • Renal calculus

Excludes

  • Calculus of ureter (N20.1)
  • Calculus of lower urinary tract (N21.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • CT scan confirming stone presence
  • Documented left flank pain
  • Urinalysis showing hematuria

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using with N13.2 when hydronephrosis is present.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'left' even though the code does not require laterality.

Ancillary Codes

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

Hematuria, unspecified

R31.9
Use for documenting hematuria associated with the stone.

Right upper quadrant pain

R10.11
Use for documenting flank pain associated with the stone.

Differential Codes

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

Calculus of ureter

N20.1
Use N20.1 if the stone is located in the ureter.

Calculus of kidney

N20.0
Use N20.0 if no hydronephrosis is present.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Renal Stone to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N20.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Review imaging results carefully., Ensure documentation reflects all clinical findings.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Violates ICD-10 Excludes1 note., Data Quality: Compromises accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use N13.2 only when hydronephrosis is present.

Impact

Using N20.0 and N13.2 together.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coders on Excludes1 notes.

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 Left Renal Stone, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Left Renal Stone

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Left Renal Stone. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Urology Clinic Visit

Specialty: Urology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Imaging results
  • Symptoms
  • Diagnosis

Example Documentation

Patient presents with left flank pain. CT shows 5mm left renal calculus without hydronephrosis. Diagnosis: N20.0.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has a kidney stone.
Good Documentation Example
CT confirms 5mm left renal calculus. No hydronephrosis observed.
Explanation
The good example provides specific imaging findings and laterality.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Left Renal Stone? Ask your questions below.

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