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ICD-10 Coding for Calciphylaxis(E83.50, N18.6)

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

Also known as:

Calcific Uremic Arteriolopathy

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Calciphylaxis

E83.5Primary Range

Disorders of calcium metabolism

This range includes calciphylaxis, specifically coded as E83.50.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E83.50CalciphylaxisUse when calciphylaxis is confirmed by biopsy and associated with CKD or dialysis.
  • Biopsy confirmation of calcification in dermal arterioles
  • Presence of end-stage renal disease or dialysis
N18.6End-stage renal diseaseUse in conjunction with E83.50 when calciphylaxis is present.
  • Documentation of chronic kidney disease stage 5
  • Patient on dialysis

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 calciphylaxis

Essential facts and insights about Calciphylaxis

The ICD-10 code for calciphylaxis is E83.50, requiring biopsy confirmation and association with CKD or dialysis.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for calciphylaxis

Calciphylaxis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Biopsy shows calcification in dermal arterioles.

documentation Criteria

  • Patient has documented end-stage renal disease or is on dialysis.

Applicable To

  • Calcific uremic arteriolopathy

Excludes

  • Other disorders of calcium metabolism (E83.59)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Biopsy confirmation of calcification in dermal arterioles
  • Presence of end-stage renal disease or dialysis

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if biopsy is not performed
  • Omission of CKD stage coding

Coding Notes

  • Ensure biopsy confirmation is documented before using E83.50.

Ancillary Codes

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

Other specified disorders of skin and subcutaneous tissue

L98.8
Use for documenting necrotic skin ulcers associated with calciphylaxis.

Differential Codes

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

Other disorders of calcium metabolism

E83.59
Use when calciphylaxis is suspected but not confirmed by biopsy.

Atherosclerosis of extremities

I70.2
Use if vascular calcification lacks biopsy confirmation.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Calciphylaxis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E83.50.

Impact

Clinical: Incomplete clinical picture., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential reimbursement issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document CKD stage when coding calciphylaxis., Verify dialysis status is included in the documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment may affect reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure biopsy confirms calciphylaxis before coding E83.50.

Impact

Coding E83.50 without biopsy confirmation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure biopsy results are documented before coding.

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

Documentation Templates for Calciphylaxis

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

Confirmed calciphylaxis in a dialysis patient

Specialty: Nephrology

Required Elements

  • Biopsy confirmation
  • CKD stage documentation
  • Dialysis status

Example Documentation

Patient with ESRD on hemodialysis presents with necrotic plaques. Biopsy confirms calciphylaxis. Calcium 10.8 mg/dL, phosphate 6.2 mg/dL, PTH 890 pg/mL. Treatment: Sodium thiosulfate.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Skin ulcers in dialysis patient.
Good Documentation Example
Stage 5 CKD patient on hemodialysis with biopsy-proven calciphylaxis involving thighs; calcium-phosphate product 72 mg²/dL².
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical details and confirms diagnosis with biopsy.

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

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