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ICD-10 Coding for Renal Stone(N20.0, N20.1, N13.2)

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

Also known as:

Kidney StoneNephrolithiasisUrolithiasis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Renal Stone

N20-N23Primary Range

Calculus of kidney and ureter

This range includes all codes related to stones in the urinary system, specifically the kidney and ureter.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
N20.0Calculus of kidneyUse when a stone is confirmed in the kidney without ureteral involvement.
  • Imaging confirming renal stone
  • Stone size and location documented
N20.1Calculus of ureterUse when a stone is confirmed in the ureter.
  • Imaging confirming ureteral stone
  • Documentation of obstruction or colic
N13.2Hydronephrosis with calculus of kidney and ureterUse when hydronephrosis is present with a stone in the kidney or ureter.
  • Imaging showing hydronephrosis and stone

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 kidney stone

Essential facts and insights about Renal Stone

The ICD-10 code for a kidney stone is N20.0, used when a stone is confirmed in the kidney without ureteral involvement.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for renal stone

Calculus of kidney
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Imaging confirms stone in kidney

Applicable To

  • Staghorn calculus

Excludes

  • Calculus of ureter (N20.1)
  • Calculus of bladder (N21.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging confirming renal stone
  • Stone size and location documented

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding when hydronephrosis is present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the location and size of the stone.

Ancillary Codes

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

Gross hematuria

R31.0
Use when hematuria is present alongside the renal stone.

Hydronephrosis with calculus of kidney and ureter

N13.2
Use when hydronephrosis is present with ureteral stone.

Acute kidney failure, unspecified

N17.9
Use when acute kidney failure is present.

Differential Codes

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

Calculus of ureter

N20.1
Use when the stone is located in the ureter, not the kidney.

Calculus of kidney

N20.0
Use when the stone is located in the kidney, not the ureter.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Renal Stone to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N20.0.

Impact

Clinical: Impacts treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document left or right side., Use templates that prompt for laterality.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to potential underpayment., Compliance: Violation of Excludes1 note., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use N13.2 alone when hydronephrosis is present.

Impact

Using N20.0 and N13.2 together incorrectly.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coders on Excludes1 notes and proper sequencing.

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

Documentation Templates for Renal Stone

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

Renal stone with hydronephrosis

Specialty: Urology

Required Elements

  • Stone location
  • Stone size
  • Imaging results
  • Symptoms
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with left flank pain. CT shows 8mm stone in left renal pelvis with moderate hydronephrosis. Plan for ESWL.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has kidney stone.
Good Documentation Example
Patient has 8mm left renal pelvis stone with hydronephrosis confirmed by CT.
Explanation
The good example provides specific location, size, and imaging confirmation.

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

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