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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN27.0

N27.0

Billable

Small kidney, unilateral

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N27.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of small kidney, unilateral.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Unilateral small kidney, or hypoplastic kidney, is a condition characterized by the presence of a kidney that is smaller than normal in size, affecting only one side of the body. This condition can arise from various developmental anomalies during fetal growth, leading to a reduction in nephron number and overall kidney function. Patients may present with hypertension, proteinuria, or renal insufficiency, although many remain asymptomatic. The condition can be associated with other congenital anomalies or syndromes, such as Turner syndrome or renal agenesis. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies like ultrasound or CT scans, which can reveal the size discrepancy between the affected kidney and the contralateral kidney. Management may include monitoring renal function, controlling blood pressure, and addressing any complications that arise. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary if there are significant functional impairments or associated complications.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between unilateral and bilateral conditions
  • Understanding associated congenital anomalies
  • Interpreting imaging studies accurately
  • Recognizing potential complications and their management

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of kidney size and function
  • Failure to note associated congenital anomalies
  • Misclassification of unilateral versus bilateral conditions
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for monitoring

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Nephrology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed renal function tests, imaging results, and any associated conditions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with hypertension or proteinuria due to small kidney.

Billing Considerations

Ensure comprehensive documentation of renal function and any interventions.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Growth and development assessments, family history of renal conditions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Congenital anomalies in children presenting with small kidney.

Billing Considerations

Document any syndromic associations and developmental milestones.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N27.0 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, N27
  • 0 should be used when there is clear documentation of a unilateral small kidney
  • It is important to ensure that the condition is not part of a broader diagnosis that would require a different code

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N27.0 When
  • Exclusion criteria include conditions that are not specifically related to kidney size

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

76700CPT Code

Ultrasound, abdomen, complete

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate kidney size and function.

Documentation Requirements

Document findings related to kidney size and any abnormalities.

Specialty Considerations

Nephrology specialists should ensure comprehensive imaging reports.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of kidney disorders, including unilateral conditions like N27.0. This specificity aids in better tracking of patient outcomes and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of kidney disorders, including unilateral conditions like N27.0. This specificity aids in better tracking of patient outcomes and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of kidney disorders, including unilateral conditions like N27.0. This specificity aids in better tracking of patient outcomes and resource allocation.

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 N27.0?

Coding N27.0 accurately reflects the presence of a small kidney, which can have implications for patient management, monitoring, and treatment decisions.