Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3b(N18.32)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3b. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

CKD Stage 3bModerate Chronic Kidney Diseasemoderate to severe ckd

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3b

N18.30-N18.32Primary Range

Chronic kidney disease, stage 3

This range includes specific codes for CKD stages 3a and 3b, which are critical for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Hypertensive heart and chronic kidney disease

Used when CKD is present with hypertension and heart disease, indicating a combination of conditions.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic chronic kidney disease

Used when CKD is caused by diabetes, requiring diabetes to be coded first.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for CKD stage 3b

Essential facts and insights about Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3b

The ICD-10 code for CKD stage 3b is N18.32, indicating a GFR of 30-44.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for chronic kidney disease 3b

Chronic kidney disease, stage 3b
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Documented GFR between 30-44 for at least three months

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of CKD stage 3b in medical records

Applicable To

  • Moderate chronic kidney disease with GFR 30-44

Excludes

  • End stage renal disease (N18.6)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • eGFR 30-44 on at least two occasions over a period of three months

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using N18.3 instead of N18.32 post-2020

Coding Notes

  • Ensure GFR values are documented and confirm chronicity over three months.

Ancillary Codes

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

Long-term (current) use of insulin

Z79.84
Use if the patient is on long-term insulin therapy.

Dependence on renal dialysis

Z99.2
Use if the patient is dependent on dialysis.

Differential Codes

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

Chronic kidney disease, stage 3a

N18.31
GFR 45-59, indicating a less severe stage than 3b.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3b to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N18.32.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to misinterpretation of patient condition., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials or delays.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific CKD staging., Link to underlying conditions.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with updated coding standards., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure to use N18.32 for CKD stage 3b post-2020.

Impact

Lack of specific CKD staging in records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all records specify CKD stage and etiology.

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 3b, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3b

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3b. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Primary Care Progress Note

Specialty: Nephrology

Required Elements

  • Assessment of CKD stage
  • GFR values
  • Linkage to etiology
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Assessment: CKD stage 3b (eGFR 36), linked to hypertension. Plan: Increase lisinopril dosage.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Renal insufficiency, follow-up needed.
Good Documentation Example
CKD stage 3b (eGFR 32, confirmed x3 months) secondary to diabetic nephropathy. Plan: ACE inhibitor titration, nephrology consult.
Explanation
The good example provides specific staging, etiology, and a detailed treatment plan.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3b? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more