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
DiagnosesAzotemia

Azotemia

ICD-10 Coding for Azotemia(R79.89, E86.0)

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

Diagnosis Overview

What is Azotemia?
Essential facts and insights about Azotemia

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels
  • Symptoms may include fatigue, confusion, and decreased urine output
  • Hypertension and edema may be present on physical examination

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Patient history including renal function tests and symptoms
  • Use of terms like 'acute' or 'chronic' azotemia
  • Examples: 'Patient presents with elevated BUN and creatinine levels consistent with azotemia.'

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • Follow guidelines for differentiating between acute and chronic azotemia.
  • Common errors include misclassifying acute azotemia as chronic.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Conditions like prerenal azotemia due to dehydration or heart failure
  • Alternative codes for specific causes of kidney failure

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
N17.9
Acute kidney failure, unspecified
N18.9
Chronic kidney disease, unspecified
Ancillary Codes
E86.0
Differential Codes
N17.9
I50.9

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Nephrology

Specialty Applications

  • Patients with renal impairment, dehydration, or heart failure
  • Nephrology clinics, emergency departments, and inpatient settings

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

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 are the documentation requirements?

Document renal function tests, symptoms, and any underlying conditions.

What are the billing considerations?

Ensure accurate coding based on the type and cause of azotemia.