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ICD-10 Coding for Diabetes with Nephropathy(E11.21, E11.22)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Diabetes with Nephropathy. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Diabetic NephropathyDiabetic Kidney Disease

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Diabetes with Nephropathy

E11.2Primary Range

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with kidney complications

This range includes codes for diabetes with kidney-related complications, primarily used for diabetic nephropathy.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD)

This range is used to specify the stage of CKD when coding diabetic nephropathy.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E11.21Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic nephropathyUse when there is documented diabetic nephropathy with proteinuria.
  • Proteinuria ≥300 mg/day
  • Albumin-to-creatinine ratio ≥300 mg/g
E11.22Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic chronic kidney diseaseUse when CKD is present with diabetes, regardless of proteinuria.
  • eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73m²
  • Diabetic etiology

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 diabetes with nephropathy

Essential facts and insights about Diabetes with Nephropathy

The ICD-10 code for diabetes with nephropathy is E11.21, used when diabetic nephropathy is confirmed with proteinuria.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for diabetes with nephropathy

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic nephropathy
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of proteinuria and diabetic etiology

Applicable To

  • Diabetic nephropathy

Excludes

  • Non-diabetic kidney disease

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Proteinuria ≥300 mg/day
  • Albumin-to-creatinine ratio ≥300 mg/g

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as E11.9 when nephropathy is present.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'diabetic nephropathy' to use E11.21.

Ancillary Codes

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

Chronic kidney disease, stage 3

N18.3
Use to specify the stage of CKD when coding E11.22.

Chronic kidney disease stages 1-5

N18.1-N18.6
Specify the stage of CKD when coding E11.22.

Differential Codes

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

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic chronic kidney disease

E11.22
Use E11.22 when CKD is present without significant proteinuria.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic nephropathy

E11.21
Use E11.21 when significant proteinuria is present.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Diabetes with Nephropathy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E11.21.

Impact

Clinical: Misrepresentation of patient's condition., Regulatory: Potential audit issues., Financial: Reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific language linking diabetes to nephropathy.

Impact

Reimbursement: Lower reimbursement due to unspecified complications., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies 'diabetic nephropathy' to use E11.21.

Impact

Risk of coding errors without specifying CKD stage.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure 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 Diabetes with Nephropathy, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Diabetes with Nephropathy

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Diabetes with Nephropathy. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Inpatient with diabetic nephropathy

Specialty: Nephrology

Required Elements

  • Diabetes type
  • Presence of nephropathy
  • Proteinuria levels
  • CKD stage

Example Documentation

Patient with Type 2 diabetes and diabetic nephropathy confirmed by urine ACR 450 mg/g.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has DM2 and kidney issues.
Good Documentation Example
Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic nephropathy (confirmed by urine ACR 450 mg/g) and CKD Stage 3 (eGFR 45).
Explanation
The good example specifies the type of diabetes, confirms nephropathy with lab results, and includes CKD stage.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Diabetes with Nephropathy? Ask your questions below.

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