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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN13.72

N13.72

Billable

Vesicoureteral-reflux with reflux nephropathy without hydroureter

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N13.72 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of vesicoureteral-reflux with reflux nephropathy without hydroureter.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a condition where urine flows backward from the bladder into the ureters and potentially the kidneys. This backward flow can lead to recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and can cause damage to the kidneys, resulting in reflux nephropathy. In cases where VUR is present without hydroureter, the ureters are not dilated, but the kidneys may still be affected. Reflux nephropathy can lead to pyelonephritis, which is an infection of the kidney, and interstitial nephritis, characterized by inflammation of the kidney's interstitial tissue. Patients may present with symptoms such as flank pain, fever, and dysuria. Chronic VUR can also lead to renal scarring and hypertension. Management often includes antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent UTIs, and in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct the reflux. It is crucial for healthcare providers to monitor renal function and manage any complications that arise from this condition.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between reflux nephropathy and other nephropathies
  • Understanding the implications of recurrent UTIs
  • Identifying the absence of hydroureter in imaging studies
  • Documenting the severity and chronicity of kidney damage

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of recurrent UTIs
  • Failure to document the absence of hydroureter
  • Lack of clarity on the severity of nephropathy
  • Improper coding of associated conditions like pyelonephritis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of urinary tract infections, growth parameters, and renal imaging results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Children presenting with recurrent UTIs and abnormal renal ultrasound findings.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of age-related factors in treatment and monitoring.

Nephrology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive renal function tests, imaging studies, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Adults with chronic kidney disease secondary to reflux nephropathy.

Billing Considerations

Monitoring for hypertension and renal scarring.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N13.72 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, N13
  • 72 should be used when there is documented vesicoureteral reflux with associated nephropathy but without hydroureter
  • It is important to ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that other potential causes of nephropathy are ruled out

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N13.72 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

CPT 50435CPT Code

Ureteral reimplantation

Clinical Scenario

Used in surgical correction of severe VUR.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indications.

Specialty Considerations

Pediatric urology may be involved in the surgical management.

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 vesicoureteral reflux, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. N13.72 provides a clear distinction between cases with and without hydroureter, which is essential for appropriate management and treatment planning.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like vesicoureteral reflux, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. N13.72 provides a clear distinction between cases with and without hydroureter, which is essential for appropriate management and treatment planning.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. N13.72 provides a clear distinction between cases with and without hydroureter, which is essential for appropriate management and treatment planning.

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 significance of coding N13.72?

Coding N13.72 accurately reflects the patient's condition of vesicoureteral reflux with reflux nephropathy, which is crucial for appropriate management and treatment planning. It also helps in tracking the prevalence and outcomes of this condition in clinical practice.