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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN13.0

N13.0

Billable

Hydronephrosis with ureteropelvic junction obstruction

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N13.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of hydronephrosis with ureteropelvic junction obstruction.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Hydronephrosis with ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJ obstruction) is a condition characterized by the dilation of the renal pelvis and calyces due to a blockage at the junction where the ureter meets the renal pelvis. This obstruction can lead to increased pressure within the kidney, resulting in renal damage if not addressed. UPJ obstruction can be congenital or acquired, with causes ranging from anatomical anomalies to external compression from tumors or scarring. Patients may present with flank pain, hematuria, urinary tract infections (UTIs), or renal colic. The condition can lead to secondary complications such as pyelonephritis, which is an infection of the kidney, and interstitial nephritis, an inflammatory condition affecting the kidney's interstitium. Management often involves surgical intervention to relieve the obstruction, along with antibiotic therapy to treat any associated infections. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent irreversible kidney damage.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between congenital and acquired causes of obstruction
  • Identifying associated conditions such as pyelonephritis or interstitial nephritis
  • Understanding the implications of hydronephrosis on renal function
  • Documenting the severity and duration of symptoms

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the cause of obstruction
  • Failure to document associated infections or complications
  • Misclassification of hydronephrosis severity
  • Inconsistent coding of surgical procedures related to UPJ obstruction

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed imaging reports, surgical notes, and history of urinary symptoms.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with flank pain, recurrent UTIs, or renal stones.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the anatomical findings and any surgical interventions performed.

Nephrology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive renal function tests, history of kidney disease, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with chronic kidney disease exacerbated by hydronephrosis.

Billing Considerations

Document renal function status and any nephrotoxic medications that may impact treatment.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N13.0 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, N13
  • 0 should be used when there is clear documentation of hydronephrosis specifically due to ureteropelvic junction obstruction
  • It is important to ensure that the obstruction is the primary cause of the hydronephrosis and that any associated conditions are also documented

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N13.0 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

50590CPT Code

Ureteropelvic junction obstruction repair

Clinical Scenario

Used during surgical intervention for UPJ obstruction.

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes detailing the procedure and indications.

Specialty Considerations

Urology specialists should ensure accurate coding of the procedure performed.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of hydronephrosis and its causes, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of conditions related to kidney health.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of hydronephrosis and its causes, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of conditions related to kidney health.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of hydronephrosis with UPJ obstruction?

Common symptoms include flank pain, hematuria, urinary tract infections, and renal colic. Patients may also experience nausea and vomiting due to pain.

How is hydronephrosis with UPJ obstruction diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scans to visualize the obstruction and assess kidney function.

What treatment options are available for hydronephrosis with UPJ obstruction?

Treatment may include antibiotics for infections, surgical intervention to relieve the obstruction, and monitoring of kidney function.