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ICD-10 Coding for Bilateral Renal Cysts(N28.1, Q61.3)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Bilateral Renal Cysts. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Bilateral Kidney CystsRenal Cysts on Both Kidneys

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Bilateral Renal Cysts

N28.1Primary Range

Cyst of kidney, acquired

Used for acquired renal cysts, including bilateral cases if specified as acquired.

Polycystic kidney disease, unspecified

Used for congenital bilateral cysts unless specified as acquired.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
N28.1Cyst of kidney, acquiredUse when renal cysts are documented as acquired.
  • Imaging reports confirming cysts
  • Documentation specifying 'acquired'
Q61.3Polycystic kidney disease, unspecifiedUse when cysts are congenital or 'acquired' is not documented.
  • Imaging reports showing multiple cysts
  • Lack of 'acquired' documentation

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 bilateral renal cysts

Essential facts and insights about Bilateral Renal Cysts

The ICD-10 code for bilateral renal cysts is N28.1 if acquired, and Q61.3 if congenital.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for bilateral renal cyst

Cyst of kidney, acquired
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation must specify 'acquired' for N28.1.

Applicable To

  • Acquired renal cysts

Excludes

  • Congenital renal cysts (Q61.x)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging reports confirming cysts
  • Documentation specifying 'acquired'

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if 'acquired' is not documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure 'acquired' is documented to use N28.1.

Ancillary Codes

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

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage

N18.x
Use if CKD is present alongside renal cysts.

Differential Codes

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

Polycystic kidney disease, unspecified

Q61.3
Use for congenital cysts unless specified as acquired.

Cyst of kidney, acquired

N28.1
Use when 'acquired' is documented.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Bilateral Renal Cysts to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N28.1.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for incorrect billing and reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on documentation importance.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to reimbursement issues., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Affects accuracy of patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Query provider to confirm if cysts are acquired.

Impact

Risk of audit if 'acquired' or 'congenital' is not documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation and provider education.

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 Bilateral Renal Cysts, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Bilateral Renal Cysts

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Bilateral Renal Cysts. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Bilateral acquired renal cysts in a nephrology setting

Specialty: Nephrology

Required Elements

  • Cyst laterality
  • Size and number of cysts
  • Bosniak classification if applicable
  • CKD stage if present

Example Documentation

Patient presents with bilateral acquired renal cysts, largest 3 cm, Bosniak II, CKD stage 3.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Renal cysts present.
Good Documentation Example
Bilateral acquired renal cysts, largest 3 cm, Bosniak II, CKD stage 3.
Explanation
Good example provides detailed documentation necessary for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Bilateral Renal Cysts? Ask your questions below.

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