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ICD-10 Coding for Ureteric Calculus(N20.1, N13.2)

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

Also known as:

Ureteral StoneUreterolithiasis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Ureteric Calculus

N20-N23Primary Range

Calculus of kidney and ureter

This range includes codes for stones located in the kidney and ureter, which are relevant for ureteric calculus.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
N20.1Calculus of ureterUse when a ureteral stone is present without obstruction or hydronephrosis.
  • Imaging evidence of ureteral stone without hydronephrosis
N13.2Hydronephrosis with ureteral obstructionUse when a ureteral stone causes hydronephrosis or obstruction.
  • Imaging showing hydronephrosis and 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 ureteric calculus

Essential facts and insights about Ureteric Calculus

The ICD-10 code for ureteric calculus without obstruction is N20.1, while N13.2 is used when hydronephrosis or obstruction is present.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for ureteric calculus

Calculus of ureter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of ureteral stone without hydronephrosis

Applicable To

  • Ureteral stone without obstruction

Excludes

  • N13.2 (Hydronephrosis with ureteral obstruction)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging evidence of ureteral stone without hydronephrosis

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding when hydronephrosis is present.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the absence of hydronephrosis.

Ancillary Codes

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

Gross hematuria

R31.0
Use when hematuria is documented alongside ureteral calculus.

Urinary tract infection

N39.0
Use when UTI is present with ureteral obstruction.

Differential Codes

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

Hydronephrosis with ureteral obstruction

N13.2
Use N13.2 when hydronephrosis or obstruction is documented.

Calculus of ureter without obstruction

N20.1
Use N20.1 if no hydronephrosis is present.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Ureteric Calculus to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N20.1.

Impact

Clinical: Impacts treatment decisions, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Always document left, right, or bilateral, Use templates that prompt for laterality

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment may occur., Compliance: Violates Excludes1 note rules., Data Quality: Leads to inaccurate clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use only N13.2 when hydronephrosis is present.

Impact

Using N20.1 and N13.2 together despite Excludes1 notes.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coders on Excludes1 rules and provide decision trees.

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

Documentation Templates for Ureteric Calculus

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

Acute Ureteric Colic

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Imaging findings
  • Symptoms
  • Diagnosis

Example Documentation

32M presents with acute left flank pain. CT shows 5 mm stone in left ureter with hydronephrosis. Diagnosis: N13.2.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has ureteral stone.
Good Documentation Example
CT confirms 5 mm stone in left ureter with hydronephrosis. Diagnosis: N13.2.
Explanation
The good example provides specific imaging findings and diagnosis.

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

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