ICD-10 Coding for Renal Failure(N17.9, N18.6)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Renal Failure. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Renal Failure
N17-N19Primary Range
Acute and chronic renal failure
This range includes codes for both acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease, which are primary conditions under renal failure.
Diabetes with chronic kidney disease
These codes are used when diabetes is the underlying cause of chronic kidney disease.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| N17.9 | Acute kidney failure, unspecified | Use when acute kidney injury is diagnosed but the specific cause is not documented. |
|
| N18.6 | End stage renal disease | Use when the patient has end-stage renal disease and is undergoing dialysis. |
|
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 failure
Essential facts and insights about Renal Failure
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for renal failure
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Sudden onset of symptoms and lab findings indicating acute kidney injury.
Applicable To
- Acute renal failure
Excludes
- Chronic kidney disease (N18.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Sudden increase in serum creatinine
- Decreased urine output
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of undercoding if specific cause is known but not documented.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies acute vs. chronic and any underlying causes.
N18.6 - End stage renal disease
Use when the patient has end-stage renal disease and is undergoing dialysis.
Applicable To
- ESRD
Excludes
- Acute kidney failure (N17.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- GFR <15 mL/min/1.73m²
- Patient on dialysis
Coding Notes
Document dialysis frequency and type.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Dependence on renal dialysis
Z99.2Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Renal Failure to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N17.9.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate treatment records., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement for dialysis services.
Mitigation Strategy
Always verify dialysis status during patient visits., Include dialysis details in the patient's medical record.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Increases risk of audit and non-compliance., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Review documentation to ensure specific causes or stages are coded.
Impact
Coding CKD without specifying the stage increases audit risk.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all CKD documentation includes stage and GFR.
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, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Renal Failure
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Renal Failure. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Chronic Kidney Disease Management
Specialty: NephrologyRequired Elements
- Patient history
- GFR values
- Dialysis status
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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