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ICD-10 Coding for History of Acute Kidney Injury(Z87.19, N17.9)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for History of Acute Kidney Injury. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

History of AKIResolved Acute Kidney Injury

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to History of Acute Kidney Injury

Z87.19Primary Range

Personal history of diseases of the genitourinary system

Used for documenting resolved acute kidney injury without residual chronic kidney disease.

Acute kidney failure and chronic kidney disease

Includes codes for active acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
Z87.19Personal history of other diseases of the genitourinary systemUse when AKI is fully resolved with normal renal function and no CKD.
  • Documentation of resolved AKI with creatinine returning to baseline
  • Absence of current CKD (GFR ≥60 for ≥3 months)
N17.9Acute kidney failure, unspecifiedUse for active AKI episodes.
  • Serum creatinine increase ≥0.3 mg/dL in 48h or ≥1.5x baseline

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: How to code history of acute kidney injury

Essential facts and insights about History of Acute Kidney Injury

A history of acute kidney injury is coded with Z87.19 if the AKI is resolved and there is no chronic kidney disease present.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for history of acute kidney injury

Personal history of other diseases of the genitourinary system
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Resolved AKI with baseline creatinine restored

documentation Criteria

  • Absence of CKD documentation

Applicable To

  • Resolved acute kidney injury

Excludes

  • Current acute kidney injury (N17.9)
  • Chronic kidney disease (N18.x)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documentation of resolved AKI with creatinine returning to baseline
  • Absence of current CKD (GFR ≥60 for ≥3 months)

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding resolved AKI when CKD is present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation clearly states resolution of AKI and absence of CKD.

Ancillary Codes

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

Chronic kidney disease

N18.x
Use alongside Z87.19 if CKD is present.

Differential Codes

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

Acute kidney failure, unspecified

N17.9
Use for active AKI episodes meeting KDIGO criteria.

Personal history of other diseases of the genitourinary system

Z87.19
Use for resolved AKI without CKD.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting History of Acute Kidney Injury to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z87.19.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate clinical understanding of patient's history., Regulatory: Potential audit issues due to vague documentation., Financial: Possible reimbursement denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the cause of AKI if known, Include resolution status and baseline labs

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment may affect reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Code N18.x for CKD and add Z87.19 for resolved AKI context.

Impact

Coding Z87.19 without proper documentation of AKI resolution.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes baseline creatinine and resolution status.

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 History of Acute Kidney Injury, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for History of Acute Kidney Injury

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for History of Acute Kidney Injury. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Resolved AKI Documentation

Specialty: Nephrology

Required Elements

  • Resolution of AKI
  • Baseline creatinine levels
  • Absence of CKD

Example Documentation

History of AKI due to sepsis-induced ATN in 2023, now resolved with baseline creatinine 0.8 mg/dL.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
AKI last year.
Good Documentation Example
History of AKI due to contrast nephropathy in 2024, resolved with creatinine at 1.0 mg/dL (baseline 0.9 mg/dL).
Explanation
The good example specifies etiology and resolution status with baseline creatinine.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for History of Acute Kidney Injury? Ask your questions below.

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