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
ICD-10 CodesN04.8

N04.8

Billable

Nephrotic syndrome with other morphologic changes

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N04.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome with other morphologic changes.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by a triad of symptoms: significant proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and edema. The presence of 'other morphologic changes' indicates that the nephrotic syndrome is associated with additional renal pathology, which may include glomerulonephritis or other structural abnormalities observed through renal biopsy. Patients typically present with symptoms such as swelling in the legs, abdomen, or around the eyes, and may also experience hematuria (blood in urine) and hypertension. The underlying causes can vary widely, including primary kidney diseases like minimal change disease or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, as well as secondary causes such as diabetes mellitus or systemic lupus erythematosus. Diagnosis often involves urinalysis showing high levels of protein, renal function tests, and imaging studies. A renal biopsy may be necessary to determine the specific morphologic changes and guide treatment. Management typically includes corticosteroids, diuretics, and medications to control blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes leading to nephrotic syndrome.
  • Need for detailed documentation of morphologic changes from renal biopsy.
  • Differentiation from other types of nephrotic syndrome.
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other renal conditions.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of morphologic changes.
  • Failure to specify the underlying cause of nephrotic syndrome.
  • Misclassification of nephrotic syndrome types.
  • Inconsistent coding of associated conditions like hypertension or diabetes.

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, proteinuria, and renal dysfunction; management of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate documentation of the type of nephrotic syndrome and any associated renal pathology.

Pathology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive reports on renal biopsy findings, including descriptions of glomerular changes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Evaluation of renal biopsies for suspected nephrotic syndrome.

Billing Considerations

Pathology reports must clearly delineate morphologic changes to support nephrology coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N04.8 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, N04
  • 8 should be used when nephrotic syndrome is present with additional morphologic changes that are not specified elsewhere
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and includes details of any renal biopsy findings

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N04.8 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

88172CPT Code

Renal biopsy, percutaneous, needle

Clinical Scenario

Used when a renal biopsy is performed to determine the cause of nephrotic syndrome.

Documentation Requirements

Biopsy report detailing findings and indications for the procedure.

Specialty Considerations

Nephrologists must ensure that the biopsy findings correlate with the diagnosis for accurate coding.

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, enabling better tracking of patient outcomes and treatment efficacy. N04.8 provides a means to capture cases with additional morphologic changes, which is crucial for research and quality improvement initiatives.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of nephrotic syndrome, enabling better tracking of patient outcomes and treatment efficacy. N04.8 provides a means to capture cases with additional morphologic changes, which is crucial for research and quality improvement initiatives.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of nephrotic syndrome, enabling better tracking of patient outcomes and treatment efficacy. N04.8 provides a means to capture cases with additional morphologic changes, which is crucial for research and quality improvement initiatives.

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

What is the difference between N04.8 and N04.0?

N04.8 is used for nephrotic syndrome with other morphologic changes, while N04.0 is specifically for nephrotic syndrome with minimal change disease. Accurate coding depends on the documentation of the specific morphologic changes observed in renal biopsy.