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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN04.21

N04.21

Billable

Primary membranous nephropathy with nephrotic syndrome

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N04.21 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of primary membranous nephropathy with nephrotic syndrome.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Primary membranous nephropathy (PMN) is a kidney disorder characterized by the presence of immune complex deposits along the glomerular basement membrane, leading to nephron damage. This condition is often associated with nephrotic syndrome, which is defined by a triad of symptoms: significant proteinuria (greater than 3.5 grams per day), hypoalbuminemia, and edema. Patients may present with hematuria, hypertension, and renal insufficiency. Diagnosis typically involves renal biopsy, which reveals thickening of the glomerular capillary walls and subepithelial immune complex deposits. Management of PMN with nephrotic syndrome may include 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 to assess treatment efficacy and disease progression.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiation from secondary causes of membranous nephropathy
  • Need for renal biopsy documentation
  • Management of associated nephrotic syndrome symptoms
  • Potential for overlapping diagnoses with glomerulonephritis

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of nephrotic syndrome symptoms
  • Failure to document renal biopsy findings
  • Misclassification of primary vs. secondary nephropathy
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on treatment response

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Nephrology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on symptoms, lab results, and treatment plans are essential. Documentation of renal biopsy findings and follow-up assessments is critical.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with edema, proteinuria, and renal impairment; management of nephrotic syndrome complications.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate differentiation between primary and secondary causes of nephropathy to avoid coding errors.

Pathology

Documentation Requirements

Pathology reports must clearly describe biopsy findings, including the presence of immune complex deposits.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Evaluation of renal biopsies for suspected membranous nephropathy.

Billing Considerations

Pathology documentation should correlate with nephrology notes for comprehensive coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N04.21 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation
  • Include all relevant symptoms and findings to justify the use of N04

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N04.21 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

88172CPT Code

Renal biopsy

Clinical Scenario

Used when a renal biopsy is performed to confirm diagnosis.

Documentation Requirements

Pathology report and clinical notes supporting the need for biopsy.

Specialty Considerations

Nephrology and pathology must coordinate documentation for accurate coding.

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 underlying causes, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of nephrotic syndrome and its underlying causes, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of nephrotic syndrome and its underlying causes, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO)

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary cause of primary membranous nephropathy?

The exact cause of primary membranous nephropathy is often unknown, but it is believed to be related to autoimmune processes where antibodies target podocyte antigens.