ICD-10 Coding for Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease(N18.31, N18.32)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease
N18.3-N18.32Primary Range
Chronic kidney disease, stage 3
This range covers all subcategories of stage 3 CKD, including unspecified, 3a, and 3b.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| N18.31 | Chronic kidney disease, stage 3a | Use when CKD stage 3a is documented with appropriate eGFR values. |
|
| N18.32 | Chronic kidney disease, stage 3b | Use when CKD stage 3b is documented with appropriate eGFR values. |
|
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 stage 3 chronic kidney disease
Essential facts and insights about Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for stage 3 chronic kidney disease
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- eGFR between 45-59 mL/min/1.73m²
documentation Criteria
- Provider documentation of CKD stage 3a
Applicable To
- CKD stage 3a
Excludes
- End stage renal disease (N18.6)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- eGFR 45-59 mL/min/1.73m² confirmed over 3 months
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if eGFR is not confirmed over 3 months
Coding Notes
- Ensure eGFR values are documented over a period of 3 months to confirm chronicity.
N18.32 - Chronic kidney disease, stage 3b
Use when CKD stage 3b is documented with appropriate eGFR values.
Applicable To
- CKD stage 3b
Excludes
- End stage renal disease (N18.6)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- eGFR 30-44 mL/min/1.73m² confirmed over 3 months
Coding Notes
Ensure eGFR values are documented over a period of 3 months to confirm chronicity.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N18.31.
Impact
Clinical: Leads to vague clinical understanding., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to lack of specificity.
Mitigation Strategy
Always specify CKD stage in documentation.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Use only N18.6 if ESRD is documented.
Impact
Coding CKD without specific stage can trigger audits.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation includes specific stage and eGFR values.
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 Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Nephrology Progress Note
Specialty: NephrologyRequired Elements
- Assessment
- eGFR values
- ACR values
- Management plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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