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
DiagnosesRenal Colic

Renal Colic

ICD-10 Coding for Renal Colic(N23, N20.1, N13.2)

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

Diagnosis Overview

What is Renal Colic?
Essential facts and insights about Renal Colic

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Severe flank pain, often radiating to the groin
  • Hematuria (blood in urine)
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Key diagnostic tests include CT scan of abdomen/pelvis, ultrasound, and urinalysis
  • Physical exam may reveal tenderness in the flank area, costovertebral angle tenderness

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Document patient's pain level and location, associated symptoms, and duration
  • Use specific coding terminology such as 'renal colic' and 'urolithiasis'
  • Examples include: 'Patient presents with acute onset of flank pain consistent with renal colic.'

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • Usage guidelines emphasize the importance of specifying the location and type of stone.
  • Common errors include using unspecified codes when specific codes are available.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Excludes conditions such as pyelonephritis and other renal disorders
  • Alternative codes may include those for urinary obstruction or infection

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
N20.0
Calculus of kidney
N23
Unspecified renal colic
Ancillary Codes
R10.11
R31.9
Differential Codes
N20.0
N23
N23
when no stone is confirmed by imaging.
N20.1
N20.1
when no hydronephrosis is present.

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Emergency Medicine

Specialty Applications

  • Adult and pediatric patients presenting with acute flank pain
  • Emergency departments and urgent care 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

Documentation requirements?

Include detailed history, physical exam findings, and diagnostic test results.

Billing considerations?

Ensure accurate coding to reflect the severity and complexity of the case.