ICD-10 Coding for Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3a(N18.31)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3a. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3a
N18.1-N18.9Primary Range
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) codes
This range includes all stages of chronic kidney disease, with N18.31 specifically for stage 3a.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for CKD stage 3a
Essential facts and insights about Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3a
Primary ICD-10-CM Code for chronic kidney disease 3a
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- eGFR between 45-59 mL/min
documentation Criteria
- Provider documentation confirming CKD stage 3a
Applicable To
- Moderate CKD with eGFR 45-59 mL/min
Excludes
- Acute kidney failure (N17.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- eGFR between 45-59 mL/min
- Documentation of CKD stage 3a confirmed by provider
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of using unspecified codes like N18.30
Coding Notes
- Ensure to document the underlying cause of CKD and use the appropriate sequencing.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Chronic kidney disease, stage 3b
N18.32Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3a to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N18.31.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Always link CKD to conditions like diabetes or hypertension., Use MEAT criteria in documentation.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases the accuracy of health records.
Mitigation Strategy
Always specify the stage of CKD to ensure accurate coding.
Impact
Using unspecified codes can trigger audits.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure specific CKD stage is documented and coded.
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 Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3a, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3a
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3a. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Primary Care Follow-up
Specialty: Internal MedicineRequired Elements
- Patient demographics
- eGFR values
- Underlying causes
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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