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ICD-10 Coding for Renal Calculus(N20.0, N20.1)

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

Also known as:

Kidney StoneNephrolithiasisRenal Stone

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Renal Calculus

N20-N23Primary Range

Urolithiasis

This range includes codes for kidney stones and related conditions.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
N20.0Calculus of kidneyUse when a renal calculus is confirmed by imaging and there is no hydronephrosis.
  • Imaging confirmation (CT or ultrasound)
  • Symptoms such as flank pain or hematuria
N20.1Calculus of ureterUse when a ureteral stone is confirmed by imaging.
  • Imaging confirmation of ureteral stone

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 calculus

Essential facts and insights about Renal Calculus

The ICD-10 code for renal calculus is N20.0, used for kidney stones confirmed by imaging.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for renal calculus

Calculus of kidney
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of renal calculus confirmed by imaging

coding Criteria

  • Do not use with N13.2 if hydronephrosis is present

Applicable To

  • Kidney stone
  • Renal calculus

Excludes

  • Hydronephrosis with calculus obstruction (N13.2)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging confirmation (CT or ultrasound)
  • Symptoms such as flank pain or hematuria

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding with N13.2 when hydronephrosis is present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure imaging confirms the presence of a renal calculus before coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Gross hematuria

R31.0
Use when there is visible blood in urine.

Right flank pain

R10.11
Use when there is localized right flank pain.

Differential Codes

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

Hydronephrosis with calculus obstruction

N13.2
Use when hydronephrosis is present with a calculus.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Renal Calculus to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N20.0.

Impact

Clinical: Misdiagnosis risk., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure imaging reports are detailed and included in records.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding rules., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use N13.2 when hydronephrosis is present with a calculus.

Impact

Using N20.0 with N13.2.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coders on Excludes1 notes.

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

Documentation Templates for Renal Calculus

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

Urology Progress Note

Specialty: Urology

Required Elements

  • Assessment
  • Plan
  • Imaging results
  • Symptoms

Example Documentation

Assessment: Symptomatic left renal calculus - 6mm lower pole stone on non-contrast CT.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Kidney stone present.
Good Documentation Example
Non-contrast CT confirms 7mm staghorn calculus in right renal pelvis with associated perinephric stranding.
Explanation
The good example provides specific imaging details and associated findings.

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

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