ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
DiagnosesAbnormal Creatinine

Abnormal Creatinine

ICD-10 Coding for Abnormal Creatinine(R94.4, N18.9, N17.9)

PRIMARY SPECIALTYNephrology
COMPLEXITYHigh
LAST UPDATED09/15/2025
Sam Tuffun, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist | Medical Coding & Billing Contributor

Diagnosis Overview

What is Abnormal Creatinine?
Essential facts and insights about Abnormal Creatinine

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Elevated serum creatinine levels
  • Significant change in creatinine levels from baseline
  • Presence of symptoms related to kidney dysfunction

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Specific creatinine level and its comparison to patient's baseline
  • Symptoms indicating kidney dysfunction
  • Underlying conditions contributing to abnormal creatinine

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • R94.4 is used for abnormal results of kidney function studies, not specified as low or high
  • N18.9 is used for chronic kidney disease, unspecified
  • N17.9 is used for acute kidney failure, unspecified

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Patients with normal creatinine levels
  • Patients with transient changes in creatinine not related to kidney function

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
R94.4
Abnormal results of kidney function studies
N18.9
Chronic kidney disease, unspecified
N17.9
Acute kidney failure, unspecified
Ancillary Codes
R79.89
Differential Codes
N18.9
N17.9
R94.4
R94.4
for isolated abnormal creatinine without CKD.

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Nephrology

Specialty Applications

  • Patients with kidney disease
  • Patients with conditions affecting kidney function
  • Patients undergoing certain medications that may affect kidney function

Coding Complexity

High Complexity

This diagnosis requires careful attention to:

  • Comprehensive clinical documentation
  • Accurate code selection based on clinical criteria
  • Proper exclusion considerations
  • Specialty-specific coding guidelines

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Template 1

Patient presents with elevated creatinine levels of [value], a significant increase from their baseline.

Template 2

Patient's creatinine levels have risen to [value], indicating potential kidney dysfunction.

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

  • Ensure proper documentation for billing
  • Verify code specificity requirements
  • Check for any additional codes needed
  • Review payer-specific guidelines

Common Issues

  • Insufficient clinical documentation
  • Incorrect code selection
  • Missing supporting diagnoses
  • Timing and frequency documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

What does abnormal creatinine indicate?

Abnormal creatinine levels often indicate problems with kidney function.

When should these codes be used?

These codes should be used when there is a confirmed abnormality in creatinine levels indicating a potential kidney function issue.