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ICD-10 Coding for Renal Dialysis(N18.6, Z99.2)

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

Also known as:

Kidney DialysisHemodialysisPeritoneal Dialysis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Renal Dialysis

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) stages

Covers various stages of CKD, which may lead to dialysis

N18.6Primary Range

End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

Primary code for patients on dialysis due to ESRD

Dependence on renal dialysis

Used to indicate dialysis dependence

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 on dialysis due to ESRD.
  • eGFR <15
  • Dialysis dependence or transplant evaluation
Z99.2Dependence on renal dialysisUse to indicate ongoing dialysis dependence.
  • Documented dialysis sessions
  • Vascular access type

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 renal dialysis

Essential facts and insights about Renal Dialysis

The ICD-10 code for dependence on renal dialysis is Z99.2, used alongside N18.6 for ESRD.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for renal dialysis

End Stage Renal Disease
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient is on dialysis due to ESRD.

Applicable To

  • Chronic kidney disease stage 5 with dialysis

Excludes

  • Acute kidney failure (N17.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • eGFR <15
  • Dialysis dependence or transplant evaluation

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding CKD stage 5 instead of ESRD

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation supports ESRD status and dialysis dependence.

Ancillary Codes

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

Dependence on renal dialysis

Z99.2
Use alongside N18.6 to indicate dialysis dependence.

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 eGFR <15 but not yet on dialysis.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate treatment records, Regulatory: Potential audit issues, Financial: Claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Regularly update patient records, Verify documentation before coding

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment, potential underpayment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use N18.6 for ESRD with dialysis.

Impact

Lack of detailed dialysis documentation

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all dialysis sessions and details are recorded.

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

Documentation Templates for Renal Dialysis

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

ESRD patient on dialysis

Specialty: Nephrology

Required Elements

  • eGFR value
  • Dialysis type
  • Vascular access details

Example Documentation

Patient with ESRD on hemodialysis via AV fistula, eGFR 8 mL/min/1.73m².

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
CKD, needs dialysis
Good Documentation Example
ESRD (N18.6) dependent on hemodialysis via right IJ catheter (Z99.2)
Explanation
Specifies ESRD status and dialysis dependence.

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

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