Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Left Ureteral Stone(N20.1)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Left Ureteral Stone. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Left Ureteral CalculusLeft Ureteral Lithiasis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left Ureteral Stone

N20-N23Primary Range

Calculus of kidney and ureter

This range includes codes for stones located in the kidney and ureter, including laterality-specific codes for ureteral stones.

Obstructive and reflux uropathy

This range includes codes for conditions like hydronephrosis due to obstruction, which can be associated with ureteral stones.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for left ureteral stone

Essential facts and insights about Left Ureteral Stone

The ICD-10 code for a left ureteral stone is N20.1, with laterality specified as 'left'.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for left ureteral stone

Calculus of ureter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • CT scan shows stone in left ureter.

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation specifies 'left ureteral stone'.

Applicable To

  • Ureteral stone

Excludes

  • Calculus of kidney (N20.0)
  • Calculus of bladder (N21.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • CT scan confirming stone in ureter
  • Documentation of stone size and location

Code-Specific Risks

  • Failure to specify laterality may lead to denials.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is documented as 'left' for accurate coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Hydronephrosis with ureteral obstruction

N13.2
Use when there is documented obstruction due to the ureteral stone.

Differential Codes

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

Calculus of kidney

N20.0
Use N20.0 if the stone is located in the kidney rather than the ureter.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Ureteral Stone to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N20.1.

Impact

Clinical: May affect treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Include obstruction status in all relevant documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Claims may be denied or delayed due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data collection for clinical studies.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the side (left or right) of the ureteral stone.

Impact

Risk of audit if laterality is not documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement checklist for documentation requirements.

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 Left Ureteral Stone, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Left Ureteral Stone

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Left Ureteral Stone. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Post-operative documentation for ureteroscopy

Specialty: Urology

Required Elements

  • Patient's pain status
  • Imaging results
  • Procedure details

Example Documentation

Patient reports resolution of left flank pain post-ureteroscopy. Imaging confirms clearance of left ureteral stone.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Ureteral stone removed.
Good Documentation Example
Left ureteral stone removed via ureteroscopy, confirmed by imaging.
Explanation
The good example specifies laterality and confirms the procedure with imaging.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Left Ureteral Stone? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more