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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN04.7

N04.7

Billable

Nephrotic syndrome with diffuse crescentic glomerulonephritis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N04.7 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome with diffuse crescentic glomerulonephritis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Nephrotic syndrome with diffuse crescentic glomerulonephritis is a severe kidney disorder characterized by the presence of nephrotic syndrome symptoms, including significant proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and edema, alongside the histological finding of crescentic glomerulonephritis. This condition arises when there is rapid deterioration of kidney function due to inflammation and scarring of the glomeruli, leading to the formation of crescents in the Bowman’s space. Patients typically present with symptoms such as swelling, foamy urine due to protein loss, and possible hematuria. Renal biopsy is crucial for diagnosis, revealing crescent formation in more than 50% of glomeruli, indicating severe glomerular injury. Management often involves corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents, and supportive care to control symptoms and prevent complications such as acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. Early intervention is essential to improve outcomes and preserve renal function.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of nephrology terminology and pathology.
  • Involves differentiating between various types of glomerulonephritis.
  • Documentation must clearly indicate the presence of nephrotic syndrome and crescentic changes.
  • Potential for overlapping diagnoses that may confuse coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of renal biopsy results.
  • Failure to specify the type of nephrotic syndrome.
  • Misclassification of glomerulonephritis types.
  • Lack of clarity in patient history regarding symptoms.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Nephrology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed renal biopsy reports, lab results showing proteinuria and hematuria, and clinical notes on patient symptoms.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with edema, foamy urine, and renal impairment; follow-up visits for management of nephrotic syndrome.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant lab results and clinical findings are documented to support the diagnosis.

Pathology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive pathology reports detailing glomerular changes and crescent formation.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Biopsy evaluations for suspected glomerulonephritis cases.

Billing Considerations

Accurate reporting of histological findings is critical for proper coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N04.7 When
  • Follow ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding nephrotic syndrome and glomerulonephritis
  • Ensure that documentation supports the diagnosis of both nephrotic syndrome and crescentic glomerulonephritis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N04.7 When
  • Exclude other types of glomerulonephritis unless specified

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

88172CPT Code

Renal biopsy, percutaneous, needle

Clinical Scenario

Used when a renal biopsy is performed to confirm crescentic glomerulonephritis.

Documentation Requirements

Biopsy report must be included in the patient's medical record.

Specialty Considerations

Nephrologists must ensure that the biopsy findings are clearly documented.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of nephrotic syndrome and its complications, improving the accuracy of patient records and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of nephrotic syndrome and its complications, improving the accuracy of patient records and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Nephrology

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Nephrology

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of crescentic changes in glomerulonephritis?

Crescentic changes indicate severe glomerular injury and are associated with rapid progression to kidney failure, necessitating prompt diagnosis and treatment.