ICD-10 Coding for Renal Deficiency(N18.1, N18.6)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Renal Deficiency. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Renal Deficiency
N18.1-N18.9Primary Range
Chronic Kidney Disease stages 1-5 and unspecified
This range covers all stages of CKD, which are critical for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Acute Kidney Failure
Differentiates acute kidney conditions from chronic ones, important for treatment and coding accuracy.
Dependence on renal dialysis
Used to indicate dialysis status, which is essential for patients with ESRD.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| N18.1 | Chronic kidney disease, stage 1 | Use when CKD is diagnosed with eGFR ≥90 and evidence of kidney damage. |
|
| N18.6 | End stage renal disease | Use when the patient has ESRD and is on dialysis. |
|
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 deficiency
Essential facts and insights about Renal Deficiency
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for renal deficiency
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- eGFR ≥90 with evidence of kidney damage
Applicable To
- CKD with normal or high GFR
Excludes
- Acute kidney failure (N17.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- eGFR ≥90 for ≥3 months
- Documentation of kidney damage
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if eGFR is not consistently ≥90.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies 'chronic' and includes eGFR values.
N18.6 - End stage renal disease
Use when the patient has ESRD and is on dialysis.
Applicable To
- ESRD
Excludes
- Acute kidney failure (N17.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- eGFR <15
- Dialysis dependence
Coding Notes
Ensure ESRD is documented with dialysis status.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Dependence on renal dialysis
Z99.2Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Renal Deficiency to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N18.1.
Impact
Clinical: Leads to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.
Mitigation Strategy
Educate providers on documentation standards., Implement regular chart audits.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to reimbursement errors., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records affecting care quality.
Mitigation Strategy
Always use the stage documented by the provider.
Impact
Inadequate documentation of CKD stages can lead to audit findings.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all CKD documentation includes stage 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 Deficiency, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Renal Deficiency
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Renal Deficiency. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
CKD Stage 4 Documentation
Specialty: NephrologyRequired Elements
- Patient history
- eGFR values
- CKD stage
- Etiology
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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