ICD-10 Coding for Stage III Chronic Kidney Disease(N18.30, N18.31, N18.32)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Stage III 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 III Chronic Kidney Disease
N18.3-N18.32Primary Range
Chronic kidney disease, stage 3
This range covers the ICD-10 codes for stage 3 chronic kidney disease, including unspecified, stage 3a, and stage 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| N18.30 | Chronic kidney disease, stage 3 unspecified | Use when CKD stage 3 is documented but not further specified as 3a or 3b. |
|
| N18.31 | Chronic kidney disease, stage 3a | Use when CKD stage 3a is explicitly documented. |
|
| N18.32 | Chronic kidney disease, stage 3b | Use when CKD stage 3b is explicitly documented. |
|
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 CKD
Essential facts and insights about Stage III Chronic Kidney Disease
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for stage roman numeral for the number 3 kidney disease
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- eGFR between 30-59 mL/min
documentation Criteria
- Provider documentation specifying CKD Stage 3
Applicable To
- CKD Stage 3
Clinical Validation Requirements
- eGFR between 30-59 mL/min
- Provider documentation specifying CKD Stage 3
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of undercoding if stage 3a or 3b is not specified.
Coding Notes
- Ensure that the stage of CKD is documented explicitly to avoid unspecified coding.
N18.31 - Chronic kidney disease, stage 3a
Use when CKD stage 3a is explicitly documented.
Applicable To
- CKD Stage 3a
Excludes
- CKD Stage 3b (N18.32)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- eGFR 45-59 mL/min
- Provider documentation specifying 'stage 3a'
Coding Notes
Ensure eGFR is documented to support the stage 3a classification.
N18.32 - Chronic kidney disease, stage 3b
Use when CKD stage 3b is explicitly documented.
Applicable To
- CKD Stage 3b
Excludes
- CKD Stage 3a (N18.31)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- eGFR 30-44 mL/min
- Provider documentation specifying 'stage 3b'
Coding Notes
Ensure eGFR is documented to support the stage 3b classification.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Stage III Chronic Kidney Disease to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N18.30.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate assessment of kidney function., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for incorrect billing and reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure eGFR is documented in every CKD assessment., Use templates that prompt for eGFR entry.
Impact
Reimbursement: May affect risk adjustment factor (RAF) scores., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 specificity requirements., Data Quality: Reduces the accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document and code the specific stage (3a or 3b) when possible.
Impact
Risk of incorrect staging due to lack of specific documentation.
Mitigation Strategy
Implement mandatory eGFR documentation in EHR systems.
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 III Chronic Kidney Disease, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Stage III Chronic Kidney Disease
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Stage III Chronic Kidney Disease. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Nephrology Consultation
Specialty: NephrologyRequired Elements
- Patient history
- eGFR values
- Stage documentation
- Causal conditions
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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