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ICD-10 Coding for Right Nephrolithiasis(N20.0)

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

Also known as:

Right Kidney StoneRight Renal Calculus

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Right Nephrolithiasis

N20-N23Primary Range

Calculus of kidney and ureter

This range includes codes for kidney stones and related conditions, such as nephrolithiasis and renal colic.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for right nephrolithiasis

Essential facts and insights about Right Nephrolithiasis

The ICD-10 code for right nephrolithiasis is N20.0, covering kidney stones without laterality.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for right nephrolithiasis

Calculus of kidney
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed renal calculus on imaging without hydronephrosis.

coding Criteria

  • Do not use with N13.2 if hydronephrosis is present.

documentation Criteria

  • Document stone size and location.

Applicable To

  • Nephrolithiasis
  • Renal calculus
  • Staghorn calculus

Excludes

  • N13.2 (Hydronephrosis with obstruction)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging confirmation of renal calculus
  • Documentation of stone size and location

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding with N13.2 when hydronephrosis is present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the right kidney for clinical clarity.

Ancillary Codes

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

Hematuria, unspecified

R31.9
Use with N20.0 if hematuria is documented.

Pelvic and perineal pain

R10.2
Use for documenting flank or abdominal pain.

Differential Codes

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

Hydronephrosis with renal/ureteral calculous obstruction

N13.2
Use N13.2 when hydronephrosis is confirmed due to obstruction by a stone.

Unspecified renal colic

N23
Use N23 when there is renal colic without confirmed stone on imaging.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify right or left in clinical notes., Use templates that prompt for laterality.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment and potential claim denial., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use N13.2 alone when hydronephrosis is present.

Impact

Using N20.0 and N13.2 together when hydronephrosis is present.

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

Documentation Templates for Right Nephrolithiasis

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

Right nephrolithiasis with hematuria

Specialty: Urology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Imaging results
  • Symptoms
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

52-year-old male presents with right flank pain. CT shows 5mm right renal calculus. UA shows hematuria. Plan: hydration, tamsulosin.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has kidney stone.
Good Documentation Example
CT confirms 5mm right renal calculus without hydronephrosis. Patient reports right flank pain radiating to groin.
Explanation
The good example provides specific imaging findings and symptom details, improving clinical clarity.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Right Nephrolithiasis? Ask your questions below.

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