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ICD-10 Coding for Low Urine Output(N17.9, R34, N28.9)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Low Urine Output. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

OliguriaAnuria

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Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Low Urine Output

R34

Anuria and Oliguria

Used for symptom coding when a definitive diagnosis like AKI is not established.

N17-N19Primary Range

Acute kidney failure and chronic kidney disease

Primary range for conditions like acute kidney injury (AKI) which can present with low urine output.

N28

Other disorders of kidney and ureter

Used when kidney disorder is unspecified and AKI cannot be confirmed.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
N17.9Acute kidney failure, unspecifiedUse when AKI is diagnosed based on clinical criteria.
  • Creatinine increase ≥0.3 mg/dL or ≥200% from baseline
  • Urine output <0.5 ml/kg/hr for ≥6 hours
R34Anuria and OliguriaUse when low urine output is documented but does not meet AKI criteria.
  • Urine output <400 mL/day in adults
N28.9Disorder of kidney and ureter, unspecifiedUse when kidney disorder is unspecified and AKI cannot be confirmed.
  • Vague terms like 'renal insufficiency' without AKI criteria

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 low urine output

Essential facts and insights about Low Urine Output

The ICD-10 code for low urine output is R34, used when a definitive diagnosis like AKI is not established.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for low urine output

N17.9
Acute kidney failure, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of oliguria and elevated creatinine levels

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed documentation of urine output and creatinine changes

Applicable To

  • Acute kidney injury (AKI)

Excludes

  • Chronic kidney disease (N18.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Creatinine increase ≥0.3 mg/dL or ≥200% from baseline
  • Urine output <0.5 ml/kg/hr for ≥6 hours

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if AKI criteria are not met

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation supports AKI criteria to avoid misclassification.
View Full Code Details

Ancillary Codes

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

Anuria and Oliguria

R34
Use as a secondary code when documenting symptoms of low urine output.

Differential Codes

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

Disorder of kidney and ureter, unspecified

N28.9
Use when AKI criteria are not met and the condition is unspecified.

Acute kidney failure, unspecified

N17.9
Use N17.9 when AKI criteria are met.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Low Urine Output to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N17.9.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inadequate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential under-coding affecting reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific terms like 'acute kidney injury'., Ensure documentation meets AKI criteria.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment, potentially lower reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Code N17.9 first, R34 as secondary.

Impact

Risk of misclassification if documentation does not meet criteria.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular training on AKI 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 Low Urine Output, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Low Urine Output

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Low Urine Output. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Acute Kidney Injury Documentation

Specialty: Nephrology

Required Elements

  • Patient weight and urine output
  • Creatinine level changes
  • Underlying cause if known

Example Documentation

Patient presents with oliguria <0.5 ml/kg/hr for 8 hours, creatinine increased from 1.2 to 2.8 mg/dL.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has low urine output.
Good Documentation Example
Oliguria <0.5 ml/kg/hr for 8 hours, creatinine rise from 1.2 to 2.8 mg/dL.
Explanation
The good example provides specific measurements and changes in creatinine, supporting AKI diagnosis.

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