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ICD-10 Coding for Renal Pain(N23, R10.9)

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

Also known as:

Kidney PainFlank Pain

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Renal Pain

N20-N23Primary Range

Calculus of kidney and ureter

This range includes codes for renal colic and related conditions, which are primary for renal pain.

Symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen

Includes codes for unspecified abdominal pain, used when renal pain is not confirmed.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD)

CKD codes are used when renal pain is associated with chronic kidney disease.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
N23Unspecified renal colicUse when renal colic is confirmed by imaging or lab results.
  • Imaging confirmation of calculus or obstruction
  • Urinalysis showing hematuria
R10.9Unspecified abdominal painUse when the pain is not confirmed as renal colic.
  • Localized pain without specific renal confirmation

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 pain

Essential facts and insights about Renal Pain

The ICD-10 code for renal pain, when confirmed as renal colic, is N23. Use R10.9 for unspecified abdominal pain when renal origin is not confirmed.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for renal pain

Unspecified renal colic
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed renal colic via imaging

documentation Criteria

  • Documented hematuria

Applicable To

  • Renal colic

Excludes

  • Calculus of kidney (N20.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging confirmation of calculus or obstruction
  • Urinalysis showing hematuria

Code-Specific Risks

  • Using without imaging confirmation
  • Not documenting hematuria

Coding Notes

  • Ensure imaging or lab results confirm renal origin before using N23.

Ancillary Codes

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

Acute pain due to renal colic

G89.11
Use alongside N23 when pain management is the focus of care.

Differential Codes

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

Unspecified abdominal pain

R10.9
Use R10.9 when the cause of pain is not confirmed as renal colic.

Unspecified renal colic

N23
Use N23 when renal colic is confirmed by imaging or lab results.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Renal Pain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N23.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific terms like 'renal colic' when confirmed.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use N23 when imaging or labs confirm renal colic.

Impact

Risk of incorrect code usage without proper validation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation supports code selection.

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

Documentation Templates for Renal Pain

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

Acute Renal Colic

Specialty: Nephrology

Required Elements

  • Pain location and severity
  • Imaging results
  • Urinalysis findings

Example Documentation

Patient presents with acute 10/10 right flank pain, CT shows 6mm proximal ureteral stone.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Flank pain, order CT
Good Documentation Example
Acute 10/10 right flank pain with vomiting, UA shows 50 RBC/hpf, CT reveals 6mm proximal ureteral stone
Explanation
The good example provides specific details and confirms the renal origin of pain.

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

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