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ICD-10 Coding for Renal Failure Unspecified(N19)

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

Also known as:

Kidney Failure UnspecifiedRenal Insufficiency Unspecified

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Renal Failure Unspecified

N17-N19Primary Range

Acute kidney failure and chronic kidney disease

This range includes codes for acute and chronic kidney conditions, including unspecified renal failure.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for renal failure unspecified

Essential facts and insights about Renal Failure Unspecified

The ICD-10 code for renal failure unspecified is N19, used when the type of renal failure is not specified.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for renal failure unspecified

Unspecified kidney failure
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Check if documentation specifies acute or chronic renal failure.

clinical Criteria

  • Review lab results for indicators of acute or chronic kidney disease.

Applicable To

  • Renal failure, unspecified
  • Kidney failure, unspecified

Excludes

  • Acute kidney failure (N17.-)
  • Chronic kidney disease (N18.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documentation must state 'renal failure' without specifying acute or chronic.
  • No available lab data to determine acute or chronic status.

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of undercoding if acute or chronic status is not clarified.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation is reviewed for any mention of acute or chronic status to avoid using N19 incorrectly.

Ancillary Codes

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

Hypertensive chronic kidney disease with stage 1 through stage 4 CKD, or unspecified CKD

I12.9
Use when hypertension is documented as causing CKD.

Differential Codes

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

Acute kidney failure, unspecified

N17.9
Use when documentation specifies 'acute' but lacks further detail.

Chronic kidney disease, unspecified

N18.9
Use when documentation specifies 'chronic' but lacks staging.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Renal Failure Unspecified to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N19.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit and compliance issues., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on the importance of specifying renal failure status., Implement checklists for documentation review.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Increases risk of audit due to incorrect coding., Data Quality: Impacts data accuracy and quality for patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Review documentation for any mention of acute or chronic status and use appropriate codes.

Impact

High risk of audit when using unspecified codes without clear documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation review and provider queries for clarification.

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 Failure Unspecified, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Renal Failure Unspecified

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

Unspecified Renal Failure

Specialty: Nephrology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Clinical symptoms
  • Lab results
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with fatigue and elevated creatinine. Diagnosis: Renal failure, unspecified. Plan: Monitor renal function, adjust medications.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Renal failure noted.
Good Documentation Example
Patient diagnosed with renal failure, unspecified. No acute or chronic status determined.
Explanation
The good example provides a clear diagnosis without assuming acute or chronic status.

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

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