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ICD-10 Coding for Renal Cyst(N28.1, Q61.1, D41.0)

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

Also known as:

Kidney CystSimple Renal CystAcquired Renal Cyst

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Renal Cyst

N28-N28.9Primary Range

Other disorders of kidney and ureter

This range includes codes for acquired renal cysts, which are the most common type of renal cysts.

Cystic kidney disease

This range includes codes for congenital renal cysts, which are less common but important for differential diagnosis.

Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of urinary organs

This range is used when a renal cyst is suspected to be neoplastic based on imaging or pathology.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
N28.1Cyst of kidney, acquiredUse when documentation specifies an acquired renal cyst confirmed by imaging.
  • Imaging (ultrasound/CT) showing simple cyst characteristics
  • Absence of congenital indicators
Q61.1Congenital solitary cyst of kidneyUse when documentation confirms the cyst is congenital.
  • Genetic testing or prenatal ultrasound confirming congenital origin
D41.0Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of kidneyUse when pathology suggests a neoplastic cyst.
  • Pathology report indicating neoplastic potential

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 cyst

Essential facts and insights about Renal Cyst

The ICD-10 code for an acquired renal cyst is N28.1, used when confirmed by imaging.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for renal cyst

Cyst of kidney, acquired
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Imaging confirms simple cyst characteristics without congenital indicators.

documentation Criteria

  • Provider notes specify 'acquired' renal cyst.

Applicable To

  • Simple renal cyst
  • Acquired renal cyst

Excludes

  • Congenital renal cyst (Q61.1)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging (ultrasound/CT) showing simple cyst characteristics
  • Absence of congenital indicators

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if congenital origin is not ruled out

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'acquired' to avoid defaulting to congenital codes.

Differential Codes

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

Congenital solitary cyst of kidney

Q61.1
Use if the cyst is documented as congenital or present since birth.

Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of kidney

D41.0
Use if imaging or pathology suggests neoplastic potential.

Cyst of kidney, acquired

N28.1
Use if the cyst is documented as acquired.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Renal Cyst to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N28.1.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate management, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential for incorrect billing

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on documentation standards, Implement checklist for cyst documentation

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential for incorrect DRG assignment, Compliance: Risk of audit failure, Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records

Mitigation Strategy

Query provider for clarification on cyst origin.

Impact

Reimbursement: Inaccurate coding may affect reimbursement rates, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Misleading clinical data

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure pathology reports are reviewed for neoplastic indicators.

Impact

High risk of audit if cyst type is not documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory fields in EHR for cyst type.

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

Documentation Templates for Renal Cyst

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

Urology Progress Note

Specialty: Urology

Required Elements

  • Patient symptoms
  • Imaging results
  • Bosniak classification
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with flank pain. Ultrasound shows a 3 cm simple cyst in the left kidney. Assessment: Acquired renal cyst (N28.1). Plan: Monitor with ultrasound in 6 months.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Renal cyst noted.
Good Documentation Example
3 cm acquired simple renal cyst in left kidney, asymptomatic, confirmed by ultrasound.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the cyst type and confirmation method.

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

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