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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN03.9

N03.9

Billable

Chronic nephritic syndrome with unspecified morphologic changes

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N03.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of chronic nephritic syndrome with unspecified morphologic changes.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Chronic nephritic syndrome is characterized by a persistent inflammatory process affecting the kidneys, leading to a range of clinical manifestations including proteinuria, hematuria, and hypertension. This condition is often a result of underlying glomerulonephritis, which can be secondary to various etiologies such as infections, autoimmune diseases, or systemic conditions. Patients typically present with symptoms such as edema, fatigue, and changes in urine output. The diagnosis is often confirmed through renal biopsy, which may reveal glomerular damage, but in this case, the morphologic changes are unspecified. Management of chronic nephritic syndrome involves controlling blood pressure, managing proteinuria, and addressing any underlying causes. This may include the use of corticosteroids or immunosuppressive agents, depending on the specific type of nephritis. Regular monitoring of renal function and urine analysis is essential to assess disease progression and treatment efficacy.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in underlying causes of nephritic syndrome
  • Need for precise documentation of symptoms and lab findings
  • Differentiation from nephrotic syndrome and other renal conditions
  • Potential for multiple co-existing renal diagnoses

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of renal biopsy findings
  • Failure to specify underlying causes of nephritis
  • Misclassification of nephritic versus nephrotic syndrome
  • Inconsistent lab results not correlating with diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Nephrology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on symptoms, lab results, and treatment plans are essential.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with edema, hypertension, and abnormal urinalysis findings.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant lab results, including proteinuria and hematuria, are documented to support the diagnosis.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive history and physical examination notes, including any referrals to nephrology.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation of patients with suspected kidney disease based on routine lab tests.

Billing Considerations

Document any referrals and follow-up care to ensure continuity of care and accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N03.9 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation
  • Include relevant lab findings and treatment plans

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N03.9 When
  • Exclude conditions that are not directly related to chronic nephritic syndrome

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

Renal biopsy CPT codeCPT Code

Renal biopsy

Clinical Scenario

When a renal biopsy is performed to assess the underlying cause of nephritic syndrome.

Documentation Requirements

Document indication for biopsy, consent, and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Nephrology specialists must ensure that biopsy results are clearly linked to the diagnosis.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of chronic nephritic syndrome, improving the ability to capture the complexity of renal diseases and their management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of chronic nephritic syndrome, improving the ability to capture the complexity of renal diseases and their management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of chronic nephritic syndrome, improving the ability to capture the complexity of renal diseases and their management.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO)

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between nephritic syndrome and nephrotic syndrome?

Nephritic syndrome is characterized by hematuria, proteinuria, and hypertension, while nephrotic syndrome primarily presents with significant proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and edema without hematuria.