ICD-10 Coding for Emphysematous Pyelonephritis(N10, A41.51)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Emphysematous Pyelonephritis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Emphysematous Pyelonephritis
N10-N16Primary Range
Acute and chronic pyelonephritis and other renal tubulo-interstitial diseases
This range includes codes for pyelonephritis, with N10 being used for acute pyelonephritis, which encompasses emphysematous pyelonephritis.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| N10 | Acute pyelonephritis | Use when diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, including emphysematous type, confirmed by imaging and culture. |
|
| A41.51 | Sepsis due to Escherichia coli [E. coli] | Use when sepsis is confirmed as due to E. coli in the context of EPN. |
|
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 emphysematous pyelonephritis
Essential facts and insights about Emphysematous Pyelonephritis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for emphysematous pyelonephritis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of gas in renal parenchyma on CT scan
documentation Criteria
- Specific organism identification from culture
Applicable To
- Acute pyelonephritis due to E. coli
- Emphysematous pyelonephritis
Excludes
- Chronic pyelonephritis (N11.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- CT scan showing gas in renal parenchyma
- Positive urine or blood culture for causative organism
Code-Specific Risks
- Failure to specify organism may lead to incomplete coding.
Coding Notes
- Ensure to document the presence of gas in the renal parenchyma and specify the causative organism.
A41.51 - Sepsis due to Escherichia coli [E. coli]
Use when sepsis is confirmed as due to E. coli in the context of EPN.
Applicable To
- Sepsis due to E. coli
Excludes
- Septic shock (R65.21)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Positive blood culture for E. coli
- Clinical signs of sepsis
Coding Notes
Ensure sepsis is documented as present and due to E. coli.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Escherichia coli [E. coli] as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere
B96.2Type 2 diabetes mellitus without complications
E11.9Severe sepsis with septic shock
R65.21Differential 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 Emphysematous Pyelonephritis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N10.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment if organism is not identified., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement due to incomplete coding.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document culture results., Use additional codes to specify the organism.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement due to incomplete coding., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines requiring organism specification., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records and treatment plans.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document and code the specific organism identified in cultures.
Impact
Failure to document and code the causative organism can lead to audit findings.
Mitigation Strategy
Implement a checklist for documentation that includes organism identification.
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 Emphysematous Pyelonephritis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Emphysematous Pyelonephritis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Emphysematous Pyelonephritis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
EPN with sepsis in a diabetic patient
Specialty: NephrologyRequired Elements
- CT confirmation of gas in renal parenchyma
- Organism identification from culture
- Diabetes status and control
- Sepsis criteria documentation
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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