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ICD-10 Coding for Nephrosclerosis(I12.9)

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

Also known as:

Hypertensive nephrosclerosisHypertensive kidney disease

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Nephrosclerosis

I12-I13Primary Range

Hypertensive heart and chronic kidney disease

This range includes codes for hypertensive nephrosclerosis and related conditions.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD)

This range is used to specify the stage of CKD associated with nephrosclerosis.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for nephrosclerosis

Essential facts and insights about Nephrosclerosis

The ICD-10 code for hypertensive nephrosclerosis is I12.9, used when hypertension is documented as the cause of CKD stages 1-4.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for nephrosclerosis

Hypertensive chronic kidney disease with stage 1-4 or unspecified CKD
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Hypertension documented as the cause of CKD

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit linkage between hypertension and CKD

Applicable To

  • Hypertensive nephrosclerosis
  • Hypertensive CKD

Excludes

  • Hypertensive heart and CKD with heart failure (I13.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented hypertension
  • CKD stage 1-4
  • Causal relationship between hypertension and CKD

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly assuming a causal relationship without documentation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure the causal relationship between hypertension and CKD is documented.

Ancillary Codes

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

CKD stage 1

N18.1
Use to specify CKD stage when coding I12.9.

CKD stage 2

N18.2
Use to specify CKD stage when coding I12.9.

CKD stage 3

N18.3
Use to specify CKD stage when coding I12.9.

CKD stage 4

N18.4
Use to specify CKD stage when coding I12.9.

Differential Codes

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

Essential hypertension

I10
Use when hypertension is present without documented CKD.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Nephrosclerosis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I12.9.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate patient records, Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines, Financial: Potential reimbursement issues

Mitigation Strategy

Always document CKD stage with eGFR values, Use templates to ensure completeness

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential for lower reimbursement, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation

Mitigation Strategy

Query provider to confirm if CKD is due to hypertension.

Impact

Risk of audits if hypertension and CKD are not explicitly linked.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation clearly states the causal relationship.

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

Documentation Templates for Nephrosclerosis

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

Nephrology SOAP Note

Specialty: Nephrology

Required Elements

  • Subjective symptoms
  • Objective findings
  • Assessment
  • Plan

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: Reports fatigue. HTN dx 5 years ago. **Objective**: BP: 158/92 mmHg. Labs: eGFR 34. **Assessment**: Hypertensive nephrosclerosis, CKD stage 3b. **Plan**: Adjust antihypertensive therapy.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
CKD, HTN
Good Documentation Example
Hypertensive nephrosclerosis with CKD stage 3a (eGFR 52), BP 162/88 mmHg.
Explanation
The good example specifies the causal relationship and CKD stage.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Nephrosclerosis? Ask your questions below.

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

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