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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN17.1

N17.1

Billable

Acute kidney failure with acute cortical necrosis

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/18/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 N17.1 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute kidney failure with acute cortical necrosis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acute kidney failure with acute cortical necrosis (AKF-ACN) is a severe form of acute kidney injury (AKI) characterized by the rapid loss of kidney function due to damage to the renal cortex. This condition can arise from various etiologies, including ischemia, nephrotoxins, or severe systemic illnesses. The acute cortical necrosis leads to a significant reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFR), resulting in the accumulation of waste products in the blood, electrolyte imbalances, and potential metabolic acidosis. Clinically, patients may present with oliguria or anuria, edema, hypertension, and signs of uremia. Diagnosis typically involves laboratory tests showing elevated serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, along with imaging studies to assess kidney structure. Management may require renal replacement therapy, such as dialysis, especially in cases of severe renal impairment. Long-term outcomes depend on the underlying cause and the extent of cortical damage, with some patients progressing to chronic kidney disease (CKD) or requiring kidney transplantation.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between acute and chronic kidney conditions
  • Understanding the specific etiology of cortical necrosis
  • Identifying associated complications and comorbidities
  • Navigating documentation requirements for acute kidney injury

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the cause of acute cortical necrosis
  • Failure to document the patient's renal function status
  • Lack of clarity on the need for dialysis or renal replacement therapy
  • Misclassification of acute versus chronic kidney conditions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Nephrology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on kidney function tests, treatment plans, and patient history.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of patients with acute kidney injury due to nephrotoxic agents or systemic diseases.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the severity of kidney impairment and rationale for dialysis.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Accurate recording of presenting symptoms, initial lab results, and interventions provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute renal failure symptoms in the emergency department.

Billing Considerations

Document the timeline of symptoms and interventions to support coding for acute conditions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N17.1 When
  • Follow ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding acute kidney failure, ensuring accurate documentation of the cause and severity
  • Include any relevant comorbidities and treatment interventions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N17.1 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

90935CPT Code

Hemodialysis

Clinical Scenario

Used for patients with acute kidney failure requiring renal replacement therapy.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for dialysis and the patient's response to treatment.

Specialty Considerations

Nephrology specialists should ensure accurate coding of dialysis sessions.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of acute kidney conditions, enhancing the ability to capture the nuances of acute cortical necrosis and its management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of acute kidney conditions, enhancing the ability to capture the nuances of acute cortical necrosis and its management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of acute kidney conditions, enhancing the ability to capture the nuances of acute cortical necrosis and its management.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary cause of acute cortical necrosis?

Acute cortical necrosis is primarily caused by ischemia, often due to severe hypotension or nephrotoxic agents, leading to rapid kidney injury.