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ICD-10 Coding for Renal Artery Stenosis(I70.1, Q27.1)

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

Also known as:

RASRenal Artery Narrowingrenovascular hypertensionstenosis of renal artery

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Renal Artery Stenosis

I70-I79Primary Range

Diseases of arteries, arterioles and capillaries

This range includes codes for atherosclerosis, which is a common cause of renal artery stenosis.

Other congenital malformations of circulatory system

This range includes codes for fibromuscular dysplasia, a less common cause of renal artery stenosis.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
I70.1Atherosclerosis of renal arteryUse when renal artery stenosis is due to atherosclerosis.
  • Documented atherosclerosis
  • Stenosis ≥50% on imaging
Q27.1Congenital stenosis of renal arteryUse when renal artery stenosis is due to fibromuscular dysplasia.
  • Angiographic 'string-of-beads' appearance
  • Age <50 with no atherosclerosis

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 renal artery stenosis

Essential facts and insights about Renal Artery Stenosis

The ICD-10 code for atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis is I70.1, while Q27.1 is used for fibromuscular dysplasia.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for renal artery stenosis

Atherosclerosis of renal artery
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of atherosclerotic plaque

documentation Criteria

  • Imaging showing ≥50% stenosis

Applicable To

  • Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis

Excludes

  • Fibromuscular dysplasia of renal artery

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented atherosclerosis
  • Stenosis ≥50% on imaging

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly used for non-atherosclerotic causes

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies atherosclerosis as the cause.

Ancillary Codes

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

Hypertensive chronic kidney disease

I12.9
Use when chronic kidney disease is present with hypertension.

Differential Codes

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

Congenital stenosis of renal artery

Q27.1
Use when stenosis is due to fibromuscular dysplasia.

Atherosclerosis of renal artery

I70.1
Use when stenosis is due to atherosclerosis.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Renal Artery Stenosis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I70.1.

Impact

Clinical: Impacts treatment decisions and outcomes., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials or delays.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify laterality in documentation, Use templates that prompt for laterality

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to potential underpayment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify the etiology of stenosis before coding.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of stenosis cause can lead to audit flags.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation of diagnostic findings 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 Renal Artery Stenosis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Renal Artery Stenosis

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

Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis with hypertension

Specialty: Cardiology

Required Elements

  • Blood pressure readings
  • Imaging findings
  • Etiology of stenosis

Example Documentation

Patient presents with BP 180/95, refractory to treatment. Doppler shows right renal PSV 280 cm/sec, RAR 3.8. CT angiogram confirms 75% ostial atherosclerotic stenosis.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Renal artery stenosis noted.
Good Documentation Example
70% atherosclerotic stenosis of the right renal artery confirmed by CT angiography, PSV 250 cm/sec on Doppler, refractory hypertension.
Explanation
The good example provides specific etiology, severity, and supporting diagnostic data.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Renal Artery Stenosis? Ask your questions below.

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