ICD-10 Coding for Stage 3 Kidney Disease(N18.31, N18.32)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Stage 3 Kidney Disease. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Stage 3 Kidney Disease
N18.3-N18.32Primary Range
Chronic kidney disease, stage 3
This range covers all codes specific to stage 3 CKD, including subcategories for stages 3a and 3b.
Hypertensive chronic kidney disease
Relevant when CKD is linked to hypertension, requiring sequencing with CKD codes.
Diabetic chronic kidney disease
Used when CKD is a complication of diabetes, requiring sequencing with CKD codes.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| N18.31 | Chronic kidney disease, stage 3a | Use when GFR is between 45-59 and stage 3a is documented by the provider. |
|
| N18.32 | Chronic kidney disease, stage 3b | Use when GFR is between 30-44 and stage 3b is documented by the provider. |
|
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 stage 3 kidney disease
Essential facts and insights about Stage 3 Kidney Disease
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for stage 3 kidney disease
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- GFR between 45-59 with provider documentation of stage 3a.
Applicable To
- CKD stage 3a with GFR 45-59
Excludes
- End stage renal disease (N18.6)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- eGFR 45-59 mL/min/1.73 m²
- Documentation of underlying cause such as hypertension
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly coding as N18.30 if stage 3a is not specified.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies stage 3a to avoid audits.
N18.32 - Chronic kidney disease, stage 3b
Use when GFR is between 30-44 and stage 3b is documented by the provider.
Applicable To
- CKD stage 3b with GFR 30-44
Excludes
- End stage renal disease (N18.6)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- eGFR 30-44 mL/min/1.73 m²
- Documentation of underlying cause such as diabetes
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies stage 3b to avoid audits.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Stage 3 Kidney Disease to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N18.31.
Impact
Clinical: Inadequate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure provider notes include underlying conditions., Use templates to guide documentation.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and data reporting.
Mitigation Strategy
Query provider to specify if CKD is stage 3a or 3b.
Impact
Using N18.30 without specifying 3a or 3b.
Mitigation Strategy
Query providers for specific staging.
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 Stage 3 Kidney Disease, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Stage 3 Kidney Disease
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Stage 3 Kidney Disease. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Nephrology Progress Note
Specialty: NephrologyRequired Elements
- Subjective symptoms
- Objective findings
- Assessment
- Plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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