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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN04.5

N04.5

Billable

Nephrotic syndrome with diffuse mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N04.5 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome with diffuse mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Nephrotic syndrome with diffuse mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis is characterized by a combination of nephrotic syndrome symptoms and the histological findings of diffuse mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis. Nephrotic syndrome is defined by the presence of significant proteinuria (greater than 3.5 grams per day), hypoalbuminemia, edema, and hyperlipidemia. In diffuse mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis, there is a proliferation of mesangial cells and an increase in mesangial matrix, leading to a thickening of the capillary walls. Patients may present with symptoms such as foamy urine due to proteinuria, swelling in the legs and abdomen due to edema, and possible hematuria. Renal biopsy findings typically reveal mesangial proliferation and capillary wall changes. Management often involves corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents, and supportive care to control symptoms and prevent complications such as infections and thromboembolic events.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of nephrotic syndrome and its various causes.
  • Involves knowledge of specific histological findings from renal biopsies.
  • Differentiation from other types of glomerulonephritis.
  • Management protocols may vary significantly based on underlying etiology.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of renal biopsy results.
  • Failure to document the presence of proteinuria and hematuria.
  • Misclassification of nephrotic syndrome types.
  • Lack of clarity in treatment plans and follow-up care.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Nephrology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed renal function tests, biopsy results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with edema, proteinuria, and renal impairment.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all laboratory results and clinical findings are clearly documented to support the diagnosis.

Pathology

Documentation Requirements

Histopathological reports detailing findings from renal biopsies.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Biopsy evaluations for patients with suspected glomerulonephritis.

Billing Considerations

Accurate description of glomerular changes is crucial for proper coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N04.5 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation, including laboratory results and imaging studies
  • The code N04
  • 5 should be used when there is clear evidence of nephrotic syndrome associated with diffuse mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N04.5 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

88172CPT Code

Renal biopsy, percutaneous, needle

Clinical Scenario

Used when a renal biopsy is performed to confirm the diagnosis of diffuse mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation of the indication for biopsy and the results of the procedure.

Specialty Considerations

Nephrology specialists should ensure that the 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 nephrotic syndrome and its underlying causes, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

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 data collection and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Nephrology

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Nephrology

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary cause of nephrotic syndrome with diffuse mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis?

The primary cause is often immune-mediated damage to the glomeruli, which can be associated with infections, drugs, or systemic diseases. Accurate diagnosis requires renal biopsy.