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ICD-10 Coding for History of Nephrectomy(Z90.5, Z52.4)

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

Also known as:

Post-nephrectomy statusAcquired absence of kidney

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to History of Nephrectomy

Z90.5Primary Range

Acquired absence of kidney

Primary code for documenting history of nephrectomy.

Donor of kidney

Used for documenting history of kidney donation.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
Z90.5Acquired absence of kidneyUse when documenting a patient's history of nephrectomy without a transplant.
  • Operative report confirming nephrectomy
  • Imaging showing solitary kidney
Z52.4Donor of kidneyUse for patients who have donated a kidney.
  • Donor consent forms
  • Transplant program documentation

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 history of nephrectomy

Essential facts and insights about History of Nephrectomy

The ICD-10 code for history of nephrectomy is Z90.5, indicating acquired absence of kidney.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for history of nephrectomy

Acquired absence of kidney
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient has undergone nephrectomy without subsequent transplant.

Applicable To

  • History of nephrectomy

Excludes

  • Z94.0 (Transplanted kidney)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Operative report confirming nephrectomy
  • Imaging showing solitary kidney

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using Z94.0 for non-transplant cases

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies laterality and reason for nephrectomy.

Ancillary Codes

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

Chronic kidney disease, unspecified

N18.9
Use to document CKD in patients with a history of nephrectomy.

Differential Codes

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

Transplanted kidney

Z94.0
Use Z94.0 only if the patient has a transplanted kidney.

Acquired absence of kidney

Z90.5
Use Z90.5 for non-donor nephrectomy.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting History of Nephrectomy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z90.5.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate clinical history., Regulatory: Potential audit issues., Financial: Incorrect DRG assignment.

Mitigation Strategy

Use standardized templates., Regular training for documentation staff.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify if the nephrectomy was for donation or other reasons.

Impact

Incorrect use of transplant codes for non-transplant nephrectomy.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular audits and staff training.

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 Nephrectomy, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for History of Nephrectomy

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

Post-nephrectomy follow-up

Specialty: Urology

Required Elements

  • Procedure date
  • Laterality
  • Reason for nephrectomy
  • Current renal function

Example Documentation

Patient is status post left nephrectomy (2018) for RCC. Current GFR is 52 mL/min.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Kidney removed.
Good Documentation Example
Status post left nephrectomy (2018) for RCC. Remaining kidney GFR 52 mL/min.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the procedure and current renal status.

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

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