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ICD-10 Coding for Renal Mass Unspecified(N28.89)

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

Also known as:

Kidney Mass UnspecifiedUnspecified Renal Lesion

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Renal Mass Unspecified

N28.89Primary Range

Other specified disorders of kidney and ureter

Used for renal masses without confirmed etiology or specific characterization.

Malignant neoplasms of kidney

Used when malignancy is confirmed through histology.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for renal mass unspecified

Essential facts and insights about Renal Mass Unspecified

The ICD-10 code for an unspecified renal mass is N28.89, used when a renal mass is identified without specific etiology or histological confirmation.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for renal mass unspecified

Other specified disorders of kidney and ureter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Imaging shows mass without definitive characterization.

documentation Criteria

  • No biopsy or pathology available.

Applicable To

  • Renal mass, unspecified

Excludes

  • Malignant neoplasm of kidney (C64-C65)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging reports confirming mass presence
  • No biopsy or pathology confirming malignancy

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as neoplasm without confirmation
  • Omission of laterality

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies laterality and avoids terms implying malignancy without confirmation.

Ancillary Codes

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

Abnormal findings on diagnostic imaging of urinary organs

R93.4
Use when imaging shows incidental findings without symptoms.

Hematuria

R31.-
Use when hematuria is present with the mass.

Differential Codes

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

Malignant neoplasm of unspecified kidney

C64.9
Use only with confirmed malignancy through histology.

Neoplasm of unspecified behavior of kidney

D49.51
Use when mass is suspicious for malignancy but unconfirmed.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Renal Mass Unspecified to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N28.89.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to potential misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Incorrect billing and reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific terms like 'renal mass, unspecified'., Avoid terms implying malignancy without confirmation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to reimbursement issues., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Default to N28.89 until histology confirms malignancy.

Impact

High risk of audit if neoplasm codes are used without histological confirmation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports the use of N28.89 until malignancy is confirmed.

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

Documentation Templates for Renal Mass Unspecified

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

Radiology Report for Renal Mass

Specialty: Radiology

Required Elements

  • Location
  • Size
  • Enhancement characteristics
  • Macroscopic fat presence
  • Bosniak classification if cystic

Example Documentation

CT abdomen: 4.1 cm left renal mass (N28.892), heterogeneous enhancement, no macroscopic fat. Recommend MRI for further characterization.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Renal tumor identified.
Good Documentation Example
Ultrasound reveals a 2.7 cm hypoechoic right renal mass (N28.891). No hydronephrosis or calcifications.
Explanation
The good example provides specific size, location, and characteristics, avoiding ambiguous terms.

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

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