ICD-10 Coding for Renal Infection(N10, N11.0)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Renal Infection. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Renal Infection
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| N10 | Acute pyelonephritis | Use for acute bacterial kidney infections with systemic symptoms. |
|
| N11.0 | Nonobstructive reflux-associated chronic pyelonephritis | Use for chronic kidney infections associated with structural abnormalities. |
|
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 acute pyelonephritis
Essential facts and insights about Renal Infection
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for renal infection
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of flank pain and fever with positive urine culture.
documentation Criteria
- Explicit mention of 'acute pyelonephritis' in the medical record.
Applicable To
- Bacterial kidney infection
Excludes
- Chronic pyelonephritis (N11.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Urine culture ≥100,000 CFU/mL
- WBC >10/HPF
- Fever ≥100.4°F
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification as UTI (N39.0)
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies 'acute pyelonephritis' and identifies the causative organism.
N11.0 - Nonobstructive reflux-associated chronic pyelonephritis
Use for chronic kidney infections associated with structural abnormalities.
Applicable To
- Chronic pyelonephritis with vesicoureteral reflux
Excludes
- Acute pyelonephritis (N10)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Imaging showing renal scarring
Coding Notes
Document recurrent infections and structural abnormalities.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Unspecified Escherichia coli [E. coli] as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere
B96.20Differential 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 Infection to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N10.
Impact
Clinical: Ambiguous diagnosis leading to potential treatment delays., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for incorrect billing and reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Educate providers on proper terminology., Implement documentation audits.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to lower reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Require explicit documentation of 'pyelonephritis' to use N10 or N11.0.
Impact
Failure to sequence sepsis as primary when present.
Mitigation Strategy
Educate coders on sequencing rules and conduct regular audits.
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 Infection, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Renal Infection
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Renal Infection. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Acute Pyelonephritis Diagnosis
Specialty: NephrologyRequired Elements
- Patient symptoms
- Lab results
- Imaging findings
- Diagnosis
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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