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ICD-10 Coding for Decreased Urine Output(R34, N17.9)

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

Also known as:

OliguriaAnuria

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Decreased Urine Output

R34Primary Range

Anuria and Oliguria

This range covers conditions characterized by reduced urine output, including oliguria and anuria.

Acute kidney failure and chronic kidney disease

This range includes conditions that may cause decreased urine output, such as acute kidney injury.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
R34Anuria and OliguriaUse when decreased urine output is documented without a more specific renal diagnosis.
  • Urine output <0.5 mL/kg/hr for over 6 hours
  • Documentation of urine volume and duration
N17.9Acute kidney failure, unspecifiedUse when acute kidney injury is confirmed but not specified.
  • Increase in serum creatinine by ≥0.3 mg/dL within 48 hours
  • Urine output <0.5 mL/kg/hr for 6 hours

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 decreased urine output

Essential facts and insights about Decreased Urine Output

The ICD-10 code for decreased urine output is R34, which includes conditions such as oliguria and anuria.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for decreased urine output

Anuria and Oliguria
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Urine output <0.5 mL/kg/hr for over 6 hours

documentation Criteria

  • Documented urine volume and duration

Applicable To

  • Decreased urine output
  • Oliguria
  • Anuria

Excludes

  • Acute kidney failure (N17.-)
  • Chronic kidney disease (N18.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Urine output <0.5 mL/kg/hr for over 6 hours
  • Documentation of urine volume and duration

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of undercoding if acute kidney injury is present but not documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies urine output volume and duration to support coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Fluid overload, unspecified

E87.70
Use when fluid overload is documented alongside decreased urine output.

Anuria and Oliguria

R34
Use as secondary when AKI is primary.

Differential Codes

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

Acute kidney failure, unspecified

N17.9
Use when acute kidney injury is confirmed with clinical criteria.

Anuria and Oliguria

R34
Use R34 when decreased urine output is documented without AKI.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Decreased Urine Output to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R34.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate clinical picture of renal function., Regulatory: Potential for coding non-compliance., Financial: Risk of claim denials due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use standardized templates for documentation., Educate staff on documentation requirements.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Code N17.x as primary and R34 as secondary.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of urine output can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement comprehensive documentation templates.

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 Decreased Urine Output, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Decreased Urine Output

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

Decreased urine output in a post-operative patient

Specialty: Nephrology

Required Elements

  • Urine output volume and duration
  • Response to fluid challenge
  • Serum creatinine levels
  • Cause of decreased output

Example Documentation

Patient with 300mL urine output over 24 hours, Cr increased from 0.8 to 2.1 mg/dL, treated with IV fluids.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Low urine output noted.
Good Documentation Example
400mL urine output over 24hrs (0.3mL/kg/hr) persisting >6hrs despite 2L NS bolus, Cr increased from 1.2 to 2.8 mg/dL.
Explanation
The good example provides specific measurements and clinical context supporting the diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Decreased Urine Output? Ask your questions below.

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