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ICD-10 Coding for Ureter Stone(N20.1, N20.2)

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

Also known as:

Ureteral CalculusUreterolithiasis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Ureter Stone

N20-N23Primary Range

Calculus of kidney and ureter

This range includes codes for stones in the kidney and ureter, which are relevant for coding ureter stones.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
N20.1Calculus of ureterUse when a stone is confirmed in the ureter without concurrent kidney stones.
  • Imaging confirmation of stone in ureter
  • Symptoms such as colicky flank pain and hematuria
N20.2Calculus of kidney with calculus of ureterUse when stones are confirmed in both the kidney and ureter.
  • Imaging showing stones in both kidney and ureter

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 ureter stone

Essential facts and insights about Ureter Stone

The ICD-10 code for a ureter stone is N20.1, used when a stone is confirmed in the ureter.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for ureter stone

Calculus of ureter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of ureteral stone confirmed by imaging

documentation Criteria

  • Specify laterality and size of the stone

Applicable To

  • Ureteral stone

Excludes

  • Calculus of kidney (N20.0)
  • Calculus of bladder (N21.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging confirmation of stone in ureter
  • Symptoms such as colicky flank pain and hematuria

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure laterality is specified to avoid incorrect coding.

Coding Notes

  • Do not use N13.2 with N20.1 unless hydronephrosis is documented.

Ancillary Codes

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

Hydronephrosis with ureteral obstruction

N13.2
Use when hydronephrosis is present due to ureteral obstruction.

Differential Codes

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

Calculus of kidney with calculus of ureter

N20.2
Use when stones are present in both the kidney and ureter.

Calculus of ureter

N20.1
Use when stone is only in the ureter.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Ureter Stone to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N20.1.

Impact

Clinical: Impacts treatment decisions., Regulatory: May lead to coding errors., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always measure and document stone size., Include size in imaging reports.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure hydronephrosis is documented before using N13.2.

Impact

Risk of coding N13.2 without proper documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement checklist for hydronephrosis documentation.

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

Documentation Templates for Ureter Stone

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

Uncomplicated Ureteral Stone

Specialty: Urology

Required Elements

  • Stone location
  • Size
  • Symptoms
  • Imaging findings

Example Documentation

Patient presents with right flank pain. CT shows 4mm stone in right distal ureter.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has ureter stone.
Good Documentation Example
4mm stone in right distal ureter confirmed by CT.
Explanation
The good example provides specific location and confirmation by imaging.

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

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