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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN18.5

N18.5

Billable

Chronic kidney disease, stage 5

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N18.5 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease, stage 5.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 5, also known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD), is characterized by a significant decline in kidney function, typically defined as a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of less than 15 mL/min. At this stage, the kidneys are unable to maintain the body's balance of fluids, electrolytes, and waste products, leading to severe complications. Patients often require renal replacement therapy, which includes dialysis or kidney transplantation, to sustain life. Symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, swelling, and changes in urination patterns. The management of CKD stage 5 involves a multidisciplinary approach, including nephrologists, dietitians, and social workers, to address the complex needs of patients. Regular monitoring of laboratory values, such as serum creatinine and electrolytes, is essential to guide treatment decisions and assess the effectiveness of renal replacement therapies.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease
  • Understanding the nuances of CKD staging and progression
  • Documentation requirements for renal replacement therapy
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on patient comorbidities

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of renal function tests
  • Failure to document the initiation of dialysis or transplant status
  • Misclassification of CKD stage based on incomplete lab results
  • Lack of clarity in the treatment plan for renal replacement therapy

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Nephrology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed documentation of kidney function tests, treatment plans, and patient education regarding dialysis or transplant options.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with worsening renal function, initiation of dialysis, or evaluation for kidney transplantation.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate staging of CKD and documentation of any acute kidney injury that may complicate the patient's condition.

Transplant Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive documentation of transplant evaluations, donor matching, and post-operative care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing evaluation for kidney transplantation or post-transplant follow-up.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding of transplant status and any complications related to the transplant procedure.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N18.5 When
  • According to the official coding guidelines, N18
  • 5 should be used when the patient has a GFR of less than 15 mL/min and is experiencing symptoms of kidney failure
  • Documentation must support the diagnosis and treatment plan, including any renal replacement therapy initiated

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N18.5 When
  • Exclusion criteria include acute kidney injury unless it is clearly documented as a comorbidity

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

90935CPT Code

Hemodialysis procedure

Clinical Scenario

Used for patients with CKD stage 5 requiring hemodialysis.

Documentation Requirements

Document the frequency and duration of dialysis sessions.

Specialty Considerations

Nephrology specialists should ensure accurate coding of dialysis sessions.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of chronic kidney disease stages, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of renal diseases. N18.5 provides a clear distinction for end-stage renal disease, which is critical for treatment planning and reimbursement.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of chronic kidney disease stages, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of renal diseases. N18.5 provides a clear distinction for end-stage renal disease, which is critical for treatment planning and reimbursement.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO)

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between CKD stage 5 and end-stage renal disease?

CKD stage 5 and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are often used interchangeably, as both indicate a severe decline in kidney function requiring renal replacement therapy. However, CKD stage 5 can also refer to patients who may not yet be on dialysis or have received a transplant.