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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesChapter 14: Diseases of the genitourinary systemN28

N28

Billable

Other disorders of kidney and ureter, not elsewhere classified

Chapter 14:Diseases of the genitourinary system

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N28 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other disorders of kidney and ureter, not elsewhere classified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

N28 encompasses a variety of kidney and ureter disorders that do not fit into more specific categories. This includes conditions such as small kidney (renal hypoplasia), ischemic nephropathy, and other unspecified kidney disorders. Small kidney refers to a developmental anomaly where the kidney is smaller than normal, potentially leading to reduced renal function. Ischemic nephropathy is characterized by kidney damage due to inadequate blood supply, often resulting from vascular diseases. Other specified kidney disorders may include conditions like nephrocalcinosis, renal tubular acidosis, or other rare renal pathologies that do not have a dedicated ICD-10 code. Accurate diagnosis and documentation are crucial, as these conditions can significantly impact renal function and overall health, necessitating careful monitoring and management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of conditions included under this code
  • Need for precise clinical documentation to support coding
  • Potential overlap with other kidney-related codes
  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity of conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of specific kidney disorders
  • Misclassification of conditions that may fit into other codes
  • Failure to provide sufficient clinical rationale for the use of N28
  • Inconsistent terminology used in clinical notes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Nephrology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes including diagnostic tests, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with chronic kidney disease, renal hypoplasia, or ischemic nephropathy.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant lab results and imaging studies are documented to support the diagnosis.

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes, imaging studies, and pathology reports.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with ureteral obstruction or renal anomalies.

Billing Considerations

Document any surgical interventions or procedures performed to clarify the diagnosis.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N28 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, N28 should be used when a specific kidney or ureter disorder is not classified elsewhere
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation clearly indicates the nature of the disorder and that it does not fit into more specific categories

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N28 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

50340CPT Code

Kidney biopsy

Clinical Scenario

When a kidney biopsy is performed to diagnose a specific kidney disorder.

Documentation Requirements

Biopsy report and clinical notes detailing the indication for the procedure.

Specialty Considerations

Nephrologists should ensure that the clinical rationale for the biopsy is well documented.

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, but N28 remains a catch-all for unspecified conditions, which can lead to increased scrutiny during audits.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of kidney disorders, but N28 remains a catch-all for unspecified conditions, which can lead to increased scrutiny during audits.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of kidney disorders, but N28 remains a catch-all for unspecified conditions, which can lead to increased scrutiny during audits.

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

When should I use N28 instead of a more specific code?

Use N28 when the specific kidney disorder is not classified elsewhere and there is sufficient documentation to support the diagnosis.