Other disorders of kidney and ureter
ICD-10 Codes (21)
N26N26.1N26.2N26.9N27N27.0N27.1N27.9N28N28.0N28.1N28.8N28.81N28.82N28.83N28.84N28.85N28.86N28.89N28.9N29Updates & 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 N25-N29 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 category N25-N29 encompasses codes for various disorders of the kidney and ureter. These codes are used to document conditions such as renal tubulo-interstitial diseases, disorders resulting from impaired renal tubular function, and other disorders of the kidney and ureter. The codes in this category are essential for accurate medical documentation and statistical tracking of diseases and treatments.
Key Usage Points:
- •N25 codes are used for disorders resulting from impaired renal tubular function.
- •N26 codes are for unspecified kidney failure.
- •N27 codes are for small kidney of unknown cause.
- •N28 codes are for other disorders of kidney and ureter.
- •N29 codes are for other disorders of kidney and ureter in diseases classified elsewhere.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient has a disorder resulting from impaired renal tubular function.
- ✓When a patient has unspecified kidney failure.
- ✓When a patient has a small kidney of unknown cause.
- ✓When a patient has other disorders of kidney and ureter.
- ✓When a patient has other disorders of kidney and ureter in diseases classified elsewhere.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When the patient's condition is not related to the kidney or ureter.
- ✗When the patient's condition is better represented by another code.
- ✗When the patient's condition is a kidney or ureter disorder, but the cause is known.
- ✗When the patient's condition is a kidney or ureter disorder, but it is not classified elsewhere.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions before coding to ensure accuracy.
Documentation Requirements
Proper documentation for N25-N29 codes requires detailed clinical information and supporting evidence. The documentation should clearly state the patient's condition, the cause (if known), and any related conditions or complications.
Clinical Information:
- •Detailed description of the patient's condition
- •Cause of the condition, if known
- •Related conditions or complications
- •Results of any relevant diagnostic tests
- •Treatment plan
Supporting Evidence:
- •Medical history
- •Physical examination findings
- •Laboratory test results
- •Imaging studies
Good Documentation Example:
Patient has a small kidney of unknown cause. Kidney function tests show impaired function. Patient also has hypertension.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has kidney issue.
Common Documentation Errors:
- ⚠Not providing enough detail about the patient's condition
- ⚠Not including relevant test results
- ⚠Not documenting related conditions or complications
- ⚠Not specifying the cause of the condition, if known
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
The complexity rating for N25-N29 codes is medium because while the codes themselves are straightforward, determining the specific condition and identifying related conditions or complications can be challenging.
Key Factors:
- ▸Determining the specific condition
- ▸Identifying the cause of the condition, if known
- ▸Documenting related conditions or complications
- ▸Choosing the correct code based on the patient's condition
Specialty Focus
N25-N29 codes are primarily used by nephrologists and urologists. However, they may also be used by other specialists who treat patients with kidney or ureter disorders.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient with impaired renal tubular function
- • A patient with unspecified kidney failure
- • A patient with a small kidney of unknown cause
- • A patient with other disorders of the kidney and ureter
- • A patient with other disorders of the kidney and ureter in diseases classified elsewhere
Resources & References
There are many resources available for understanding and applying N25-N29 codes. These include the official ICD-10 guidelines, clinical reference sources, and educational materials.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- American Medical Association's CPT Professional Edition
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) ICD-10 resources
Clinical References:
- American Society of Nephrology
- American Urological Association
Educational Materials:
- American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) ICD-10 training materials
- American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) ICD-10 resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can N25-N29 codes be used for chronic kidney disease?
No, chronic kidney disease is coded with N18, not N25-N29.