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ICD-10 Coding for Acute Kidney Injury due to Immunotherapy(N17.9, N14.1)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Acute Kidney Injury due to Immunotherapy. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

AKI from Immune Checkpoint InhibitorsDrug-Induced Acute Kidney Injury

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Acute Kidney Injury due to Immunotherapy

N17-N19Primary Range

Acute kidney failure and chronic kidney disease

This range includes codes for acute kidney injury, which is the primary condition caused by immunotherapy.

Drug- and heavy metal-induced tubulointerstitial and tubular conditions

This range includes codes for drug-induced nephropathy, which may be relevant if the AKI is specifically documented as drug-induced tubulointerstitial nephritis.

Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of drugs, medicaments and biological substances

This range includes codes for adverse effects of drugs, which is necessary to document the causative role of immunotherapy.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
N17.9Acute kidney failure, unspecifiedUse when AKI is linked to immunotherapy without specific histopathological findings.
  • Creatinine increase ≥1.5x baseline or ≥0.3 mg/dL within 48 hours
  • Urine studies showing eosinophils or proteinuria
N14.1Nephropathy induced by other drugs and biological substancesUse if documentation explicitly states drug-induced tubulointerstitial nephritis and guidelines support its use.
  • Biopsy confirming drug-induced tubulointerstitial nephritis

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 AKI due to immunotherapy

Essential facts and insights about Acute Kidney Injury due to Immunotherapy

The ICD-10 code for acute kidney injury due to immunotherapy is N17.9, with T45.1X5A for adverse effects.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for acute kidney injury due to immunotherapy

Acute kidney failure, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Documented rise in creatinine levels meeting KDIGO criteria.

coding Criteria

  • Use N17.9 unless specific histopathology is documented.

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit linkage of AKI to immunotherapy in clinical notes.

Applicable To

  • Acute renal failure NOS

Excludes

  • Chronic kidney disease (N18.-)
  • Drug-induced nephropathy (N14.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Creatinine increase ≥1.5x baseline or ≥0.3 mg/dL within 48 hours
  • Urine studies showing eosinophils or proteinuria

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of undercoding if specific histopathology is documented but not coded.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation explicitly links AKI to immunotherapy.

Ancillary Codes

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

Adverse effect of antineoplastic and immunosuppressive drugs, initial encounter

T45.1X5A
Use to document the adverse effect of immunotherapy causing AKI.

Differential Codes

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

Acute kidney failure with tubular necrosis

N17.0
Use if biopsy confirms tubular necrosis.

Acute kidney failure, unspecified

N17.9
Use N17.9 if no specific histopathology is documented.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Acute Kidney Injury due to Immunotherapy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N17.9.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Provide specific creatinine levels and timing., Link AKI to specific immunotherapy agent.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Default to N17.9 unless biopsy confirms drug-induced tubulointerstitial nephritis.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential loss of reimbursement for drug-related complications., Compliance: Failure to comply with coding standards for drug effects., Data Quality: Incomplete documentation of drug effects.

Mitigation Strategy

Always add adverse effect code for immunotherapy.

Impact

Inadequate documentation linking AKI to immunotherapy can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of creatinine changes and drug linkage.

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 Acute Kidney Injury due to Immunotherapy, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Acute Kidney Injury due to Immunotherapy

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

Oncology Progress Note

Specialty: Oncology

Required Elements

  • Assessment of AKI stage and causation
  • Creatinine levels and urine studies
  • Treatment plan including drug adjustments

Example Documentation

**Assessment**: - Metastatic melanoma on nivolumab. - AKI Stage 2 (Cr 2.4 mg/dL, baseline 1.2) likely secondary to immune checkpoint inhibitor. - Urine sediment: 10% eosinophils. **Plan**: - Hold nivolumab. - Start prednisone 1 mg/kg/day. - Nephrology consult for biopsy consideration.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
AKI noted post-immunotherapy.
Good Documentation Example
Stage 2 AKI (creatinine 2.1 mg/dL, baseline 1.0) 14 days after ipilimumab infusion; urinalysis shows eosinophiluria.
Explanation
The good example provides specific creatinine levels, timing, and urinalysis results, linking AKI to immunotherapy.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Acute Kidney Injury due to Immunotherapy? Ask your questions below.

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