ICD-10 Coding for Kidney Disease(N18.1, N18.6)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Kidney Disease. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Kidney Disease
N18.1-N18.9Primary Range
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) stages 1-5 and unspecified
This range covers all stages of CKD, which are crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Hypertensive Kidney Disease
These codes are used when CKD is caused by hypertension, requiring specific sequencing.
Diabetes Mellitus with Kidney Complications
These codes are used when CKD is a complication of diabetes, affecting code sequencing.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| N18.1 | Chronic kidney disease, stage 1 | Use when GFR is normal but there is evidence of kidney damage. |
|
| N18.6 | End stage renal disease | Use when the patient is in ESRD and typically on dialysis. |
|
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 chronic kidney disease
Essential facts and insights about Kidney Disease
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for kidney disease
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- GFR ≥ 90 with kidney damage
Applicable To
- Kidney damage with normal or increased GFR
Excludes
- Acute kidney failure (N17.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- GFR ≥ 90 with evidence of kidney damage
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if GFR is not documented.
Coding Notes
- Ensure GFR and kidney damage are documented.
N18.6 - End stage renal disease
Use when the patient is in ESRD and typically on dialysis.
Applicable To
- ESRD on dialysis
Excludes
- Acute kidney failure (N17.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- GFR < 15 or on dialysis
Coding Notes
Ensure dialysis status is documented.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Dependence on renal dialysis
Z99.2Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Kidney Disease to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N18.1.
Impact
Clinical: Impacts treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document the CKD stage., Use templates to ensure completeness.
Impact
Reimbursement: Claims may be denied or delayed., Compliance: Non-compliance with current coding standards., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Use the updated codes N18.30, N18.31, or N18.32.
Impact
Inadequate documentation of CKD stages can lead to audit issues.
Mitigation Strategy
Implement documentation templates that require stage and etiology.
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 Kidney Disease, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Kidney Disease
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Kidney Disease. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3b
Specialty: NephrologyRequired Elements
- Stage of CKD
- eGFR values
- Etiology (e.g., hypertension)
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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