ICD-10 Coding for Elevated Serum Creatinine(R74.8, N17.9)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Elevated Serum Creatinine. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Elevated Serum Creatinine
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| R74.8 | Abnormal levels of other serum enzymes | Use when elevated creatinine is isolated and not due to AKI or CKD. |
|
| N17.9 | Acute kidney injury, unspecified | Use when criteria for AKI are met. |
|
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 elevated serum creatinine
Essential facts and insights about Elevated Serum Creatinine
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for elevated serum creatinine
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Isolated elevated creatinine without AKI or CKD
Applicable To
- Elevated creatinine without AKI or CKD
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Isolated elevated creatinine without evidence of AKI or CKD
Code-Specific Risks
- Misuse for conditions like AKI or CKD
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies the absence of AKI or CKD.
N17.9 - Acute kidney injury, unspecified
Use when criteria for AKI are met.
Applicable To
- Acute renal failure
Excludes
- Chronic kidney disease (N18.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Creatinine increase ≥0.3 mg/dL in 48 hours or ≥1.5x baseline
Coding Notes
Document specific creatinine changes and etiology.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Abnormal kidney function studies
R94.4Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Elevated Serum Creatinine to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R74.8.
Impact
Clinical: Inadequate clinical assessment, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential reimbursement issues
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific creatinine values, Include baseline comparisons
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to potential revenue loss., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Use N17.9 for AKI and N18.- for CKD when criteria are met.
Impact
Misclassification of AKI can lead to audit findings.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation meets KDIGO criteria for AKI.
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 Elevated Serum Creatinine, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Elevated Serum Creatinine
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Elevated Serum Creatinine. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Acute Kidney Injury Documentation
Specialty: NephrologyRequired Elements
- Baseline creatinine
- Current creatinine levels
- Etiology of elevation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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