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ICD-10 Coding for End Stage Renal Failure(N18.6, Z99.2)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for End Stage Renal Failure. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

End Stage Renal DiseaseESRD

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to End Stage Renal Failure

N18.5-N18.6Primary Range

Chronic Kidney Disease, Stage 5 and End Stage Renal Disease

This range includes the codes for the most advanced stages of chronic kidney disease, specifically focusing on ESRD which requires chronic dialysis or transplant failure.

Dependence on Renal Dialysis

This code is used to indicate a patient's dependence on dialysis, which is a critical aspect of managing ESRD.

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 DiseaseUse when the patient is diagnosed with ESRD and requires chronic dialysis or has a failed transplant.
  • GFR <15 mL/min
  • Chronic dialysis documentation
  • Transplant failure
Z99.2Dependence on Renal DialysisUse when the patient is dependent on dialysis, typically in conjunction with N18.6.
  • Documentation of ongoing dialysis treatment

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 end stage renal failure

Essential facts and insights about End Stage Renal Failure

The ICD-10 code for end stage renal failure is N18.6, indicating chronic dialysis or transplant failure.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for end stage renal failure

End Stage Renal Disease
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient requires chronic dialysis or has a failed transplant.

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of 'end-stage renal disease' or 'ESRD' in medical records.

Applicable To

  • Chronic kidney disease requiring chronic dialysis

Excludes

  • Acute kidney failure (N17.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • GFR <15 mL/min
  • Chronic dialysis documentation
  • Transplant failure

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as N18.9 when dialysis is present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure explicit documentation of ESRD and dialysis status.

Ancillary Codes

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

Dependence on Renal Dialysis

Z99.2
Use alongside N18.6 to indicate 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 N18.5 when CKD stage 5 is documented without the need for chronic dialysis.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific terms like 'ESRD' or 'chronic dialysis'., Regularly update documentation templates.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate representation of patient condition in medical records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure N18.6 is used when chronic dialysis is documented.

Impact

Lack of detailed dialysis documentation can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure comprehensive documentation of dialysis sessions and access type.

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 End Stage Renal Failure, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for End Stage Renal Failure

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for End Stage Renal Failure. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

ESRD with Diabetes

Specialty: Nephrology

Required Elements

  • Diagnosis of ESRD
  • Etiology (e.g., diabetes)
  • Dialysis details
  • Lab results

Example Documentation

Diagnosis: ESRD (N18.6) secondary to diabetic nephropathy (E11.22). On hemodialysis 3x/week (Z99.2). Last GFR: 12 mL/min.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has kidney failure.
Good Documentation Example
ESRD (N18.6) secondary to diabetic nephropathy (E11.22). On hemodialysis 3x/week (Z99.2). Last GFR: 12 mL/min.
Explanation
The good example provides specific diagnosis, etiology, dialysis status, and lab results, which are essential for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for End Stage Renal Failure? Ask your questions below.

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