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ICD-10 Coding for Oliguria(R34)

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

Also known as:

Low urine outputDecreased urine production

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Oliguria

R30-R39Primary Range

Symptoms and signs involving the urinary system

Includes codes for symptoms like oliguria and anuria, which are primary symptoms of urinary issues.

Acute kidney failure and chronic kidney disease

Includes codes for acute kidney injury, which may present with oliguria as a symptom.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for oliguria

Essential facts and insights about Oliguria

The ICD-10 code for oliguria is R34, covering both oliguria and anuria. Use when no definitive AKI diagnosis exists.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for oliguria

Anuria and oliguria
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Urine output <0.5 mL/kg/hr for 6 hours

coding Criteria

  • No definitive diagnosis of acute kidney injury

Applicable To

  • Oliguria
  • Anuria

Excludes

  • Oliguria due to pregnancy (O26.83)
  • Oliguria due to postpartum condition (O90.49)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Urine output <0.5 mL/kg/hr for 6 hours
  • Urine output <400 mL/24 hours

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with acute kidney injury codes
  • Incorrect use when a definitive diagnosis exists

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies urine output measurements to validate oliguria.

Ancillary Codes

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

Dehydration

E86.0
Use when dehydration is contributing to oliguria.

Differential Codes

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

Acute kidney failure, unspecified

N17.9
Use when acute kidney injury is confirmed with elevated creatinine levels.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Oliguria to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R34.

Impact

Clinical: Misrepresents patient's condition severity., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for incorrect reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify creatinine levels before coding, Consult nephrology if uncertain

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to improper DRG assignment., Compliance: May result in non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Affects accuracy of patient records and data analysis.

Mitigation Strategy

Use R34 for oliguria unless AKI is confirmed with elevated creatinine.

Impact

Improper sequencing of oliguria and AKI codes can lead to audit flags.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure primary diagnosis reflects the most severe condition.

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

Documentation Templates for Oliguria

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

Post-operative oliguria

Specialty: Nephrology

Required Elements

  • Urine output measurements
  • Response to fluid challenge
  • Baseline and current creatinine levels

Example Documentation

Patient post-op day 1 with urine output 0.3 mL/kg/hr over 8 hours. Creatinine 1.4 mg/dL (baseline 0.9 mg/dL). No response to 500mL normal saline bolus.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Low urine output noted.
Good Documentation Example
Urine output 0.3 mL/kg/hr over 8 hours via Foley catheter. Creatinine increased from 0.9 to 1.4 mg/dL.
Explanation
The good example provides specific measurements and context, supporting the diagnosis of oliguria.

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

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