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ICD-10 Coding for Dialysis(N18.6, Z99.2)

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

Also known as:

Renal DialysisHemodialysisPeritoneal Dialysis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Dialysis

N18.6Primary Range

End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

Primary code for chronic dialysis patients.

Dependence on renal dialysis

Indicates a patient's dependence on dialysis.

Acute kidney failure

Used for acute kidney failure requiring dialysis.

Encounter for dialysis

Used for dialysis catheter management.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
N18.6End Stage Renal DiseaseFor patients with chronic kidney disease stage 5 on dialysis.
  • eGFR <15 mL/min/1.73m² for ≥3 months
  • Dialysis schedule documentation
Z99.2Dependence on renal dialysisFor patients dependent on dialysis.
  • Documentation of dialysis dependence

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 dialysis

Essential facts and insights about Dialysis

The primary ICD-10 code for dialysis is N18.6 for End Stage Renal Disease, with Z99.2 indicating dialysis dependence.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for dialysis

End Stage Renal Disease
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient requires chronic dialysis.

Applicable To

  • Chronic kidney disease stage 5 requiring dialysis

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • eGFR <15 mL/min/1.73m² for ≥3 months
  • Dialysis schedule documentation

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure documentation specifies ESRD and dialysis dependence.

Coding Notes

Ancillary Codes

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

Dependence on renal dialysis

Z99.2
Use to indicate ongoing dialysis dependence.

Differential Codes

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

Chronic kidney disease stage 5

N18.5
Use N18.6 when dialysis is initiated.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Dialysis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N18.6.

Impact

Clinical: Incomplete patient care records., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates with required fields.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always pair Z99.2 with N18.6 for ESRD patients.

Impact

Incomplete documentation of dialysis details.

Mitigation Strategy

Use comprehensive 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 Dialysis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Dialysis

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

Chronic dialysis management

Specialty: Nephrology

Required Elements

  • Dialysis type
  • Access site
  • Frequency

Example Documentation

Patient with ESRD on hemodialysis via AV fistula, 3x weekly.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient on dialysis.
Good Documentation Example
ESRD on in-center hemodialysis via left upper arm AV fistula 3x weekly.
Explanation
Specifies dialysis type, access, and frequency.

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

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

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