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ICD-10 Coding for Kidney Stone(N20.0)

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

Also known as:

Renal CalculusNephrolithiasisUrolithiasis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Kidney Stone

N20-N23Primary Range

Urolithiasis

This range includes codes for stones in the urinary tract, with N20.0 specifically for kidney stones.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for kidney stones

Essential facts and insights about Kidney Stone

The ICD-10 code for kidney stones is N20.0, covering calculus of the kidney.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for calculus of kidney

Calculus of kidney
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Imaging confirms stone in kidney

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation specifies stone location in kidney

Applicable To

  • Staghorn calculus

Excludes

  • Calculus of ureter (N20.1)
  • Calculus of lower urinary tract (N21.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging evidence of stone in renal pelvis or calyx
  • Symptoms such as flank pain or hematuria

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as N20.9 when location is specified

Coding Notes

  • Ensure imaging confirms the stone's location in the kidney before coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Gross hematuria

R31.0
Use when there is documented gross hematuria associated with the kidney stone.

Epigastric pain

R10.13
Use when renal colic is documented as a symptom.

Differential Codes

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

Calculus of ureter

N20.1
Use N20.1 when the stone is located in the ureter, not the kidney.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Kidney Stone to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N20.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to lack of specificity.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on documentation requirements., Use templates to ensure completeness.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment and affect reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on stone location.

Mitigation Strategy

Use N20.0 when imaging confirms the stone is in the kidney.

Impact

Improper sequencing of primary and ancillary codes.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coders on proper sequencing rules.

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

Documentation Templates for Kidney Stone

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

Emergency Department Visit for Renal Colic

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • History of Present Illness
  • Imaging Results
  • Laboratory Findings
  • Assessment and Plan

Example Documentation

**HPI:** 42M c/o sudden onset R flank pain 9/10 intensity radiating to groin, associated with nausea. Denies hematuria. **Imaging:** Non-contrast CT: 6mm radiodense stone in right renal pelvis. Mild perinephric edema. No hydronephrosis. **Labs:** UA: 15-20 RBCs/HPF. Serum creatinine 1.1 mg/dL. **Assessment:** Symptomatic right renal calculus without obstruction (N20.0).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
CT shows kidney stone.
Good Documentation Example
Non-contrast CT confirms 5mm radiopaque calculus in left renal pelvis with associated perinephric stranding.
Explanation
The good example provides specific location and size details, enhancing documentation quality.

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

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