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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN17.2

N17.2

Billable

Acute kidney failure with medullary necrosis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N17.2 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute kidney failure with medullary necrosis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acute kidney failure with medullary necrosis is a severe form of acute kidney injury (AKI) characterized by the death of renal medullary cells, often due to ischemia or nephrotoxins. This condition can arise from various causes, including severe dehydration, sepsis, or exposure to nephrotoxic agents such as certain medications or contrast dyes. Clinically, patients may present with oliguria or anuria, elevated serum creatinine levels, and electrolyte imbalances. The diagnosis is typically confirmed through laboratory tests and imaging studies that assess kidney function and structure. Management may involve addressing the underlying cause, providing supportive care, and in severe cases, initiating renal replacement therapy (RRT) such as dialysis. The prognosis depends on the extent of renal damage and the timeliness of intervention. If not managed appropriately, acute kidney failure can progress to chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), necessitating long-term dialysis or kidney transplantation.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between acute and chronic kidney conditions
  • Identifying the underlying cause of medullary necrosis
  • Managing co-existing conditions that may complicate treatment
  • Understanding the implications of renal replacement therapy

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the cause of acute kidney failure
  • Failure to document the severity of kidney injury
  • Misclassification of acute versus chronic kidney disease
  • Lack of clarity in treatment plans and outcomes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Nephrology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute kidney injury due to dehydration, nephrotoxins, or systemic illness.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the timeline of kidney function decline and interventions undertaken.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Thorough documentation of presenting symptoms, initial lab results, and immediate interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute kidney failure presenting with severe dehydration or septic shock.

Billing Considerations

Document the urgency of care and any immediate renal replacement therapy initiated.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N17.2 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the acute nature of the kidney failure and any associated conditions
  • Include relevant lab results and treatment plans to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N17.2 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, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. N17.2 provides a clear distinction for acute kidney failure with medullary necrosis, which was less specific in ICD-9.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of acute kidney conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. N17.2 provides a clear distinction for acute kidney failure with medullary necrosis, which was less specific in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of acute kidney conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. N17.2 provides a clear distinction for acute kidney failure with medullary necrosis, which was less specific in ICD-9.

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 are the common causes of acute kidney failure with medullary necrosis?

Common causes include severe dehydration, sepsis, exposure to nephrotoxic agents, and ischemic events that compromise renal blood flow.