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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN13.30

N13.30

Billable

Unspecified hydronephrosis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N13.30 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified hydronephrosis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Unspecified hydronephrosis refers to the dilation of the renal pelvis and calyces due to the accumulation of urine, which can occur when there is an obstruction in the urinary tract. This condition can arise from various causes, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, or anatomical abnormalities. In some cases, hydronephrosis may be associated with pyelonephritis, an infection of the kidney that can lead to interstitial nephritis, characterized by inflammation of the kidney's interstitial tissue. Drug-induced nephropathy can also contribute to hydronephrosis, particularly when medications affect renal function or urinary flow. The management of hydronephrosis often involves addressing the underlying cause, which may include the use of antibiotics for UTIs or surgical interventions for obstructions. Accurate diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications such as renal damage or chronic kidney disease. Clinicians must carefully evaluate symptoms, imaging studies, and laboratory results to determine the appropriate course of action.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential underlying causes
  • Need for precise documentation of symptoms
  • Differentiation from other renal conditions
  • Potential for co-existing conditions like pyelonephritis

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the underlying cause
  • Failure to document associated conditions like pyelonephritis
  • Misuse of unspecified codes when more specific codes are available
  • Inconsistent coding across different encounters

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of urinary symptoms, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with flank pain, hematuria, or recurrent UTIs.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the cause of hydronephrosis and any interventions performed.

Nephrology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive renal function tests, imaging studies, and assessment of kidney function.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with chronic kidney disease or acute kidney injury related to hydronephrosis.

Billing Considerations

Document any renal impairment and the impact of hydronephrosis on kidney function.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N13.30 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, N13
  • 30 should be used when the specific cause of hydronephrosis is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that all relevant clinical information is captured to support the use of this unspecified code

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N13.30 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

76770CPT Code

Ultrasound, abdomen, complete

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate hydronephrosis in patients with flank pain.

Documentation Requirements

Document indications for the ultrasound and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Urologists may frequently order this imaging for diagnosis.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of hydronephrosis, improving the ability to capture the complexity of renal conditions. However, the use of unspecified codes like N13.30 can lead to challenges in accurately reflecting patient care.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of hydronephrosis, improving the ability to capture the complexity of renal conditions. However, the use of unspecified codes like N13.30 can lead to challenges in accurately reflecting patient care.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of hydronephrosis, improving the ability to capture the complexity of renal conditions. However, the use of unspecified codes like N13.30 can lead to challenges in accurately reflecting patient care.

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

When should I use N13.30 instead of a more specific code?

Use N13.30 when the cause of hydronephrosis is not documented or cannot be determined. Ensure that all clinical information supports the use of this unspecified code.