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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN04.2

N04.2

Billable

Nephrotic syndrome with diffuse membranous glomerulonephritis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N04.2 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome with diffuse membranous glomerulonephritis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by a triad of symptoms: significant proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and edema. When associated with diffuse membranous glomerulonephritis, it indicates a specific type of kidney damage where the glomerular capillary walls become thickened due to immune complex deposition. This condition leads to increased permeability of the glomeruli, resulting in the loss of protein in the urine (proteinuria), which can exceed 3.5 grams per day. Patients may also present with hematuria, hypertension, and renal insufficiency. A renal biopsy typically reveals diffuse thickening of the glomerular capillary walls with subepithelial immune complex deposits. Management often involves corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents, and supportive care to control symptoms and prevent complications such as thromboembolism and infections. Regular monitoring of renal function and proteinuria is essential for assessing disease progression and treatment efficacy.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of nephrotic syndrome and glomerulonephritis pathology.
  • Differentiation from other types of nephrotic syndrome.
  • Need for accurate documentation of renal biopsy findings.
  • Management may involve multiple specialties (nephrology, pathology).

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of renal biopsy results.
  • Failure to document the severity of proteinuria.
  • Lack of clarity in distinguishing between nephrotic syndrome types.
  • Inconsistent coding of associated symptoms like hematuria.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Nephrology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with edema, proteinuria, and renal insufficiency.

Billing Considerations

Ensure comprehensive documentation of renal function tests and response to treatment.

Pathology

Documentation Requirements

Pathology reports detailing biopsy findings and immunofluorescence results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Biopsy evaluations for suspected glomerular diseases.

Billing Considerations

Accurate reporting of histological findings is crucial for coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N04.2 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding nephrotic syndrome and glomerulonephritis
  • Ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation, including lab results and biopsy findings

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N04.2 When
  • Exclude conditions that do not meet the criteria for N04

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

88172CPT Code

Renal biopsy, percutaneous, needle

Clinical Scenario

Used when a renal biopsy is performed to confirm diagnosis.

Documentation Requirements

Biopsy report must be included in the patient's medical record.

Specialty Considerations

Nephrologists must ensure that the indication for biopsy is clearly documented.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of nephrotic syndrome and its subtypes, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. N04.2 provides a clear distinction for nephrotic syndrome associated with diffuse membranous glomerulonephritis, enhancing clinical understanding and management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of nephrotic syndrome and its subtypes, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. N04.2 provides a clear distinction for nephrotic syndrome associated with diffuse membranous glomerulonephritis, enhancing clinical understanding and management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. N04.2 provides a clear distinction for nephrotic syndrome associated with diffuse membranous glomerulonephritis, enhancing clinical understanding and management.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Nephrology

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Nephrology

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary symptoms of nephrotic syndrome?

The primary symptoms include significant proteinuria, edema, and low serum albumin levels. Patients may also experience fatigue and weight gain due to fluid retention.