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ICD-10 Coding for Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 2(N18.2)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 2. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

CKD Stage 2Mild Chronic Kidney Disease

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 2

N18.1-N18.9Primary Range

Chronic kidney disease stages 1-5

This range includes all stages of chronic kidney disease, with N18.2 specifically for stage 2.

Diabetes mellitus codes with complications

Relevant for coding CKD when it is due to diabetes.

Hypertensive diseases

Relevant for coding CKD when it is due to hypertension.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for chronic kidney disease stage 2

Essential facts and insights about Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 2

Chronic kidney disease stage 2 is coded as N18.2 in ICD-10, requiring documentation of eGFR between 60-89 and linkage to conditions like diabetes or hypertension.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for chronic kidney disease stage 2

Chronic kidney disease, stage 2
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • eGFR between 60-89 mL/min/1.73m²

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of 'stage 2 CKD' or 'mild CKD'

Applicable To

  • Mild CKD

Excludes

  • Acute kidney failure (N17.-)
  • End stage renal disease (N18.6)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • eGFR between 60-89 mL/min/1.73m²
  • Two eGFR tests at least three months apart

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using unspecified code N18.9 when stage is documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the stage and underlying cause.

Ancillary Codes

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

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic chronic kidney disease

E11.22
Use when CKD is due to type 2 diabetes.

Hypertensive chronic kidney disease with stage 1 through stage 4 CKD, or unspecified CKD

I12.9
Use when CKD is due to hypertension.

Differential Codes

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

Chronic kidney disease, stage 1

N18.1
eGFR ≥90 with evidence of kidney damage.

Chronic kidney disease, stage 3a

N18.31
eGFR 45-59 mL/min/1.73m².

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 2 to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N18.2.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on the importance of specifying CKD stage., Implement documentation templates that prompt for stage.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect reimbursement if underlying conditions are not coded., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data representation of patient conditions.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include additional codes for underlying conditions like diabetes or hypertension.

Impact

Missing eGFR values or stage specification.

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates and checklists to ensure all required information is documented.

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

Documentation Templates for Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 2

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 2. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Primary care management of CKD stage 2

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • Stage of CKD
  • Underlying cause
  • eGFR values
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Assessment: Stage 2 CKD (eGFR 72, stable). Linked to uncontrolled hypertension (BP 150/92). Plan: ACE inhibitor titration, repeat eGFR in 6 months.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
CKD, stable.
Good Documentation Example
Stage 2 CKD (eGFR 70, UACR 45 mg/g) due to HTN. BP controlled on lisinopril.
Explanation
The good example specifies the stage, provides eGFR and UACR values, and links CKD to hypertension.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 2? Ask your questions below.

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