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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesChapter 14: Diseases of the genitourinary systemN03

N03

Non-billable

Chronic nephritic syndrome

Chapter 14:Diseases of the genitourinary system

BILLABLE STATUSNo
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/12/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 N03 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of chronic nephritic syndrome.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Chronic nephritic syndrome (N03) encompasses a group of kidney disorders characterized by persistent inflammation of the glomeruli, which can lead to significant renal impairment. This category includes various forms of chronic glomerulonephritis, such as membranous nephropathy, minimal change disease, and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. These conditions are often associated with symptoms such as hematuria, proteinuria, and hypertension, and can progress to end-stage renal disease if not managed appropriately. The clinical significance of chronic nephritic syndrome lies in its potential to cause chronic kidney disease, necessitating early diagnosis and intervention to prevent further renal deterioration and associated complications.

  • In terms of usage guidelines, N03 codes should be utilized when documenting chronic nephritic syndrome in patient records, particularly when the condition is confirmed through laboratory tests and clinical evaluation. Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and to ensure that healthcare providers can track the prevalence and outcomes of these conditions. Clinicians should be aware of the specific type of nephritic syndrome when coding, as this can influence treatment decisions and patient management strategies.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

    Audit Risk Factors

      Specialty Focus

      Medical Specialties

      Nephrology

      Documentation Requirements

      Detailed patient history, laboratory results including urinalysis and serum creatinine, imaging studies if applicable, and treatment plans.

      Common Clinical Scenarios

      Management of chronic kidney disease, monitoring patients with glomerulonephritis, and evaluating renal function in diabetic patients.

      Billing Considerations

      Ensure differentiation between types of nephritic syndrome for appropriate coding and treatment.

      Internal Medicine

      Documentation Requirements

      Complete physical examination findings, management of comorbidities, and lab test results related to kidney function.

      Common Clinical Scenarios

      Assessment of hypertension related to renal disorders, managing electrolyte imbalances, and coordinating care with nephrology.

      Billing Considerations

      Document any referral to nephrology and the rationale for management strategies to support coding.

      Urology

      Documentation Requirements

      Comprehensive evaluation of urinary symptoms, imaging results, and any surgical history related to urinary tract issues.

      Common Clinical Scenarios

      Evaluation of hematuria, urinary tract infections related to nephritic syndrome, and managing complications from chronic kidney disease.

      Billing Considerations

      Be aware of potential overlap with urological conditions and ensure accurate coding to avoid confusion.

      Emergency Medicine

      Documentation Requirements

      Rapid evaluation and stabilization notes, laboratory tests, and imaging studies performed in the emergency setting.

      Common Clinical Scenarios

      Management of acute kidney injury, hypertensive emergencies, and evaluating patients presenting with acute renal failure.

      Billing Considerations

      Document the acute presentation clearly, differentiating it from chronic conditions for accurate coding.

      Related CPT Codes

      81000CPT Code

      Clinical Scenario

      Documentation Requirements

      Record of the urinalysis results and specific findings related to nephritic syndrome.

      83516CPT Code

      Clinical Scenario

      Documentation Requirements

      Documentation of the urine collection method and total protein results.

      76770CPT Code

      Clinical Scenario

      Documentation Requirements

      Ultrasound report detailing findings, including any abnormalities noted.

      90284CPT Code

      Clinical Scenario

      Documentation Requirements

      Clear documentation of indications for the procedure and results.

      83036CPT Code

      Clinical Scenario

      Documentation Requirements

      Diabetes management plan and results of the A1C test.

      ICD-10 Impact

      Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

      Enhanced Specificity

      ICD-10 Improvements

      The clinical and administrative impact of the N03 code category is significant, as chronic nephritic syndrome can lead to long-term health complications, including chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal failure. This necessitates ongoing monitoring and management, which can affect healthcare costs and resource allocation. Quality measures related to chronic kidney disease management often include monitoring renal function, controlling blood pressure, and managing proteinuria, all of which are critical for improving patient outcomes and reducing hospitalizations.
      From a population health perspective, understanding the prevalence and management of chronic nephritic syndrome can inform public health initiatives aimed at preventing kidney disease progression. As healthcare trends move towards value-based care, effective management of chronic conditions like nephritic syndrome becomes essential in improving overall population health and reducing healthcare disparities.

      ICD-9 vs ICD-10

      The clinical and administrative impact of the N03 code category is significant, as chronic nephritic syndrome can lead to long-term health complications, including chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal failure. This necessitates ongoing monitoring and management, which can affect healthcare costs and resource allocation. Quality measures related to chronic kidney disease management often include monitoring renal function, controlling blood pressure, and managing proteinuria, all of which are critical for improving patient outcomes and reducing hospitalizations. From a population health perspective, understanding the prevalence and management of chronic nephritic syndrome can inform public health initiatives aimed at preventing kidney disease progression. As healthcare trends move towards value-based care, effective management of chronic conditions like nephritic syndrome becomes essential in improving overall population health and reducing healthcare disparities.

      Reimbursement & Billing Impact

      reimbursement. Providers should document all relevant clinical findings, laboratory tests, and treatment plans to support the use of N03 codes. It is crucial to include any comorbid conditions that may affect the patient's management and treatment outcomes. Additionally, understanding the payer's specific reimbursement policies related to nephrology services can help optimize billing practices and reduce claim denials.

      Resources

      Clinical References

      • •
        Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Guidelines
      • •
        American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) - Chronic Kidney Disease
      • •
        National Kidney Foundation (NKF) - Kidney Disease Basics
      • •
        UpToDate - Chronic Kidney Disease
      • •
        American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA) - Nephrology Nursing

      Coding & Billing References

      • •
        Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Guidelines
      • •
        American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) - Chronic Kidney Disease
      • •
        National Kidney Foundation (NKF) - Kidney Disease Basics
      • •
        UpToDate - Chronic Kidney Disease
      • •
        American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA) - Nephrology Nursing

      Frequently Asked Questions

      What conditions are included in N03?

      N03 includes chronic forms of glomerulonephritis such as membranous nephropathy, minimal change disease, and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, among others.

      When should I use N03 codes?

      N03 codes should be used when a patient is diagnosed with chronic nephritic syndrome, particularly when there is evidence of persistent glomerular inflammation and associated symptoms.

      What documentation is required for N03?

      Documentation should include clinical findings, laboratory results indicating proteinuria and hematuria, and any imaging studies that support the diagnosis of chronic nephritic syndrome.