ICD-10 Coding for Acute Renal Disease(N17.9, N17.1)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Acute Renal Disease. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Acute Renal Disease
N17.0-N17.9Primary Range
Acute kidney failure
This range covers all codes related to acute kidney injury, including specific types like acute tubular necrosis.
Dehydration
Used as an ancillary code when dehydration is a contributing factor to acute renal disease.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| N17.9 | Acute kidney failure, unspecified | Use when acute kidney injury is documented without further specification. |
|
| N17.1 | Acute kidney failure with acute tubular necrosis | Use when acute tubular necrosis is confirmed by clinical or biopsy findings. |
|
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 acute renal disease
Essential facts and insights about Acute Renal Disease
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for acute renal disease
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Documented increase in serum creatinine or reduced urine output.
documentation Criteria
- Specify acute kidney injury and any underlying causes.
Applicable To
- Acute renal failure NOS
Excludes
- Chronic kidney disease (N18.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Increase in serum creatinine by ≥0.3 mg/dL within 48 hours
- Urine output <0.5 mL/kg/h for 6 hours
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of under-documentation if specific type of AKI is not identified.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies acute nature and any underlying causes.
N17.1 - Acute kidney failure with acute tubular necrosis
Use when acute tubular necrosis is confirmed by clinical or biopsy findings.
Applicable To
- Acute tubular necrosis
Excludes
- Chronic kidney disease (N18.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Presence of muddy brown casts in urine
- FeNa >2%
Coding Notes
Document specific findings that confirm ATN.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Dehydration
E86.0Differential 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 Acute Renal Disease 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 coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Educate clinicians on the importance of specific terminology., Implement documentation audits.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement if specificity is not captured., Compliance: Risk of audit findings due to lack of specificity., Data Quality: Impacts data quality and accuracy in patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation supports the use of specific AKI codes like N17.1 for ATN.
Impact
High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used when specificity is available.
Mitigation Strategy
Regular training on documentation specificity and coding updates.
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 Renal Disease, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Acute Renal Disease
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Acute Renal Disease. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Acute Kidney Injury due to Dehydration
Specialty: NephrologyRequired Elements
- Patient history
- Physical examination findings
- Lab results
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
Need help with ICD-10 coding for Acute Renal Disease? Ask your questions below.