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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesChapter 14: Diseases of the genitourinary systemN15

N15

Billable

Other renal tubulo-interstitial diseases

Chapter 14:Diseases of the genitourinary system

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N15 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other renal tubulo-interstitial diseases.

Key Diagnostic Point:

N15 encompasses a variety of renal tubulo-interstitial diseases that affect the kidney's tubules and interstitial tissue. This category includes conditions such as pyelonephritis, which is an infection of the kidney often caused by urinary tract infections (UTIs), and interstitial nephritis, which can be due to drug reactions or infections. Hydronephrosis, characterized by the swelling of a kidney due to a build-up of urine, may also fall under this code when it is not due to obstruction. Drug-induced nephropathy is another significant condition, often resulting from medications that cause damage to the renal tubules. These diseases can lead to impaired kidney function and require careful management, including antibiotic therapy for infections and monitoring for potential nephrotoxicity from drugs. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate treatment and reimbursement, as these conditions can vary widely in etiology and management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes (e.g., infections, drugs)
  • Overlap with other renal codes (e.g., N10 for pyelonephritis)
  • Need for detailed clinical documentation to support diagnosis
  • Potential for misdiagnosis with similar renal conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the underlying cause
  • Misclassification of acute vs. chronic conditions
  • Failure to document antibiotic therapy or response
  • Inconsistent coding of related conditions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Nephrology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of renal function, laboratory results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute kidney injury due to interstitial nephritis or pyelonephritis.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation includes specific drug history and any potential nephrotoxic agents.

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Thorough documentation of infection source, treatment regimens, and response to therapy.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with recurrent UTIs leading to pyelonephritis.

Billing Considerations

Document antibiotic susceptibility testing and treatment adjustments.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N15 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the specific type of renal tubulo
  • interstitial disease
  • Include details about the cause, severity, and any associated conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N15 When
  • Exclude conditions that are specifically coded elsewhere

Related CPT Codes

74160CPT Code

CT abdomen/pelvis with contrast

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate hydronephrosis or renal masses.

Documentation Requirements

Indicate the reason for imaging and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Nephrology may require additional 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 renal conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. N15 provides a broader category for renal tubulo-interstitial diseases, allowing for better tracking of these conditions in clinical practice.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of renal conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. N15 provides a broader category for renal tubulo-interstitial diseases, allowing for better tracking of these conditions in clinical practice.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of renal conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. N15 provides a broader category for renal tubulo-interstitial diseases, allowing for better tracking of these conditions in clinical practice.

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 conditions are included under N15?

N15 includes various renal tubulo-interstitial diseases such as acute and chronic interstitial nephritis, drug-induced nephropathy, and hydronephrosis not due to obstruction.