ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN13.6

N13.6

Billable

Pyonephrosis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N13.6 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of pyonephrosis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Pyonephrosis is a serious condition characterized by the presence of pus in the renal pelvis due to infection, often resulting from obstructive uropathy. It typically arises from untreated or inadequately treated pyelonephritis, where bacteria invade the renal parenchyma, leading to inflammation and subsequent necrosis. The condition can also be associated with hydronephrosis, where urine accumulates in the kidney due to obstruction, creating an environment conducive to infection. Patients may present with fever, flank pain, and signs of systemic infection. Diagnosis is often confirmed through imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scans, which reveal dilated renal collecting systems and possibly the presence of abscesses. Management typically involves antibiotic therapy tailored to the causative organism, along with interventions to relieve any obstruction, such as ureteral stenting or nephrostomy. Failure to address pyonephrosis can lead to severe complications, including renal failure and sepsis.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between pyonephrosis and other renal conditions like pyelonephritis and hydronephrosis.
  • Need for precise documentation of the underlying cause of obstruction.
  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity among patients.
  • Potential for multiple co-existing conditions that complicate coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the presence of pus.
  • Failure to document the underlying cause of obstruction.
  • Misclassification of pyonephrosis as a simpler urinary tract infection.
  • Lack of imaging studies to support the diagnosis.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on imaging results, surgical interventions, and antibiotic therapy.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of obstructive uropathy leading to pyonephrosis, post-operative complications.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clarity on the cause of obstruction and any surgical procedures performed.

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive records of antibiotic therapy, culture results, and response to treatment.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with recurrent urinary tract infections leading to pyonephrosis.

Billing Considerations

Document the rationale for antibiotic choice and any resistance patterns.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N13.6 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, N13
  • 6 should be used when there is clear evidence of pus in the renal pelvis, typically supported by imaging studies
  • It is important to document any underlying conditions contributing to the obstruction, such as stones or tumors, to ensure accurate coding

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N13.6 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

50590CPT Code

Nephrostomy

Clinical Scenario

Performed to relieve obstruction in cases of pyonephrosis.

Documentation Requirements

Document indication for nephrostomy and imaging findings.

Specialty Considerations

Urology specialists should ensure detailed operative notes.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like pyonephrosis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. It emphasizes the need for detailed documentation to support the diagnosis.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like pyonephrosis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. It emphasizes the need for detailed documentation to support the diagnosis.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. It emphasizes the need for detailed documentation to support the diagnosis.

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 is the primary cause of pyonephrosis?

The primary cause of pyonephrosis is typically an obstructive uropathy leading to a urinary tract infection that progresses to pus accumulation in the renal pelvis.