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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN05.5

N05.5

Billable

Unspecified nephritic syndrome with diffuse mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N05.5 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified nephritic syndrome with diffuse mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Unspecified nephritic syndrome with diffuse mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis is characterized by a combination of nephritic syndrome symptoms, including hematuria, proteinuria, and hypertension, alongside the histological findings of diffuse mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis. This condition often presents with varying degrees of renal impairment and can be associated with systemic diseases such as infections, autoimmune disorders, or can be idiopathic. The diffuse mesangiocapillary pattern is noted for its proliferation of mesangial cells and thickening of the capillary walls, which can lead to significant protein leakage into the urine. Diagnosis typically involves renal biopsy, which reveals the characteristic histological changes. Management may include corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and supportive care aimed at controlling blood pressure and proteinuria. The prognosis can vary widely depending on the underlying cause and the response to treatment.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and underlying causes
  • Need for renal biopsy to confirm diagnosis
  • Differentiation from other types of glomerulonephritis
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with nephrotic syndrome

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of renal biopsy results
  • Failure to specify the underlying cause of nephritic syndrome
  • Misclassification of nephritic vs. nephrotic syndrome
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on management and outcomes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Nephrology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed renal function tests, biopsy results, and treatment plans must be documented.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with hematuria and proteinuria, requiring renal biopsy for diagnosis.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clarity in distinguishing between nephritic and nephrotic syndromes in documentation.

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive history and physical examination, including systemic symptoms and laboratory results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of patients with renal impairment and systemic symptoms suggestive of nephritic syndrome.

Billing Considerations

Document any comorbid conditions that may affect renal function.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N05.5 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines for nephritic syndrome, ensuring accurate documentation of symptoms, biopsy findings, and treatment plans
  • Include any relevant comorbidities that may impact the patient's condition

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N05.5 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

50300CPT Code

Renal biopsy

Clinical Scenario

When a renal biopsy is performed to confirm the diagnosis of nephritic syndrome.

Documentation Requirements

Document indications for biopsy, findings, and any complications.

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 nephritic syndromes, improving the ability to capture the nuances of conditions like diffuse mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis, which may have been less clearly defined in ICD-9.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of nephritic syndromes, improving the ability to capture the nuances of conditions like diffuse mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis, which may have been less clearly defined in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of nephritic syndromes, improving the ability to capture the nuances of conditions like diffuse mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis, which may have been less clearly defined in ICD-9.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Nephrology

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Nephrology

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary treatment for N05.5?

The primary treatment for unspecified nephritic syndrome with diffuse mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis often includes corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents, along with management of hypertension and proteinuria.