Urolithiasis
ICD-10 Codes (7)
N21N21.0N21.1N21.8N21.9N22N23Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
New Codes (2)
Revised Codes (1)
Deleted Codes(1)
Historical Changes
- •FY 2025: Routine maintenance updates with minor terminology clarifications
- •FY 2024: Enhanced specificity requirements for certain code ranges
- •FY 2023: Updated documentation guidelines for improved clarity
Upcoming Changes
- •Proposed updates pending review by Coordination and Maintenance Committee
- •Under consideration: Enhanced digital health integration codes
Implementation Guidance
- •Review all FY 2026 updates for N20-N23 codes before implementation
- •Always verify the most current codes in the ICD-10-CM manual
- •Ensure clinical documentation supports the selected diagnosis codes
- +3 more guidance items...
Range Overview
The ICD-10 code range N20-N23 pertains to Urolithiasis, a medical condition characterized by the formation of stones in the urinary system. This range includes codes for kidney stones (N20), ureteral stones (N20.1), bladder stones (N21), and other lower urinary tract stones (N22). It also covers unspecified urinary calculus (N23). These codes are used to document diagnoses related to urinary stones in patient records, insurance claims, and public health statistics.
Key Usage Points:
- •N20.0 is used for calculus of kidney.
- •N20.1 is used for calculus of ureter.
- •N20.2 is used for calculus of kidney with calculus of ureter.
- •N21.0 is used for calculus in bladder.
- •N23 is used for unspecified renal colic.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient is diagnosed with kidney stones.
- ✓When a patient is diagnosed with ureteral stones.
- ✓When a patient is diagnosed with bladder stones.
- ✓When a patient is diagnosed with other lower urinary tract stones.
- ✓When a patient has unspecified urinary calculus.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When a patient has gallstones (use K80-K81).
- ✗When a patient has salivary gland stones (use K11.5).
- ✗When a patient has pancreatic stones (use K86.1).
- ✗When a patient has stones in other organs.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions in the ICD-10 manual to ensure accurate coding.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation for Urolithiasis should include a clear diagnosis, location of the stone(s), any complications, and the patient's symptoms. It should also include any relevant medical history, physical examination findings, and results from diagnostic tests.
Clinical Information:
- •Specific diagnosis
- •Location of the stone(s)
- •Any complications
- •Patient's symptoms
- •Relevant medical history
Supporting Evidence:
- •Physical examination findings
- •Results from diagnostic tests
- •Imaging reports
- •Laboratory test results
Good Documentation Example:
Patient diagnosed with calculus of kidney and ureter (N20.2) with severe pain. CT scan confirms presence of stones in both kidney and ureter.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has kidney stones.
Common Documentation Errors:
- ⚠Not specifying the location of the stone(s)
- ⚠Not including any complications
- ⚠Not documenting the patient's symptoms
- ⚠Not including supporting evidence
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
The complexity rating for Urolithiasis codes is medium due to the need to accurately identify the location of the stone(s), any complications, and interpret supporting evidence. Coders must also distinguish between different types of urinary stones and understand the patient's symptoms.
Key Factors:
- ▸Determining the specific location of the stone(s)
- ▸Identifying any complications
- ▸Interpreting supporting evidence
- ▸Distinguishing between different types of urinary stones
- ▸Understanding the patient's symptoms
Specialty Focus
Urolithiasis codes are primarily used by urologists, but may also be used by primary care physicians, emergency medicine physicians, and nephrologists. They are used to diagnose and treat urinary stones.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient presenting with severe flank pain diagnosed with kidney stones.
- • A patient with a history of bladder stones presenting with urinary symptoms.
- • A patient with known ureteral stones presenting with hematuria.
- • A patient with lower urinary tract symptoms found to have bladder stones on imaging.
- • A patient with unspecified renal colic.
Resources & References
Resources for Urolithiasis coding include the ICD-10 manual, official coding guidelines, and clinical references. Educational materials such as coding handbooks and online courses can also be helpful.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- American Urological Association Guidelines
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Guidelines
Clinical References:
- Urology textbooks
- Clinical journal articles
Educational Materials:
- ICD-10 coding handbooks
- Online coding courses
Frequently Asked Questions
Can N20-N23 codes be used for stones in other organs?
No, the N20-N23 code range is specifically for urinary stones. Stones in other organs have their own specific codes.