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ICD-10 Coding for Solitary Kidney(Q60.0, N18.80, Z94.0)

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

Also known as:

Single KidneyUnilateral Renal AgenesisCongenital Solitary Kidney

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Solitary Kidney

Q60-Q64Primary Range

Congenital malformations of the urinary system

Includes codes for congenital absence of kidney, which is relevant for solitary kidney due to agenesis.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and renal failure

Includes codes for CKD stages, relevant if the solitary kidney has impaired function.

Persons with potential health hazards related to family and personal history and certain conditions influencing health status

Includes codes for kidney transplant status, relevant if the patient has a transplant.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
Q60.0Renal agenesis, unilateralUse when the patient is born with one kidney absent.
  • Confirmed by prenatal or postnatal ultrasound
N18.80Unilateral chronic impairment of renal functionUse when the solitary kidney shows chronic impairment.
  • GFR <60 mL/min/1.73m²
  • Presence of proteinuria
Z94.0Kidney transplant statusUse when the patient has undergone a kidney transplant.
  • Documented history of kidney transplant

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 solitary kidney

Essential facts and insights about Solitary Kidney

The ICD-10 code for a congenital solitary kidney is Q60.0, indicating renal agenesis, unilateral.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for solitary kidney

Renal agenesis, unilateral
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Absence of one kidney confirmed by imaging

Applicable To

  • Congenital absence of one kidney

Excludes

  • Acquired absence of kidney (Z90.5)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Confirmed by prenatal or postnatal ultrasound

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if not confirmed by imaging

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies congenital absence.

Ancillary Codes

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

Chronic kidney disease, unspecified

N18.9
Use if CKD is present but not staged.

Hypertensive chronic kidney disease

I12.9
Use if hypertension is contributing to renal impairment.

Chronic kidney disease, stage 5

N18.5
Use if the transplanted kidney has stage 5 CKD.

Differential Codes

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

Acquired absence of kidney

Z90.5
Use Z90.5 for acquired absence due to surgery or trauma.

Chronic kidney disease, unspecified

N18.9
Use N18.9 if CKD is not specified as unilateral.

Kidney transplant infection

T86.13
Use T86.13 for infections related to the transplant.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Solitary Kidney to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Q60.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to lack of specificity.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify whether the condition is congenital or acquired., Include imaging results in the patient record.

Impact

Reimbursement: May result in lower reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of patient health records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always use specific CKD stage codes when GFR is documented.

Impact

Incorrect staging of CKD can lead to audit flags.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure accurate documentation of GFR and proteinuria.

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

Documentation Templates for Solitary Kidney

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

Congenital Solitary Kidney with Normal Function

Specialty: Nephrology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Imaging results
  • GFR values

Example Documentation

Patient presents with congenital solitary kidney confirmed by ultrasound. GFR is 90 mL/min, no proteinuria.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has a single kidney.
Good Documentation Example
Patient has congenital solitary right kidney confirmed by ultrasound, GFR 90 mL/min.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical details and imaging confirmation.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Solitary Kidney? Ask your questions below.

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