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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN11.8

N11.8

Billable

Other chronic tubulo-interstitial nephritis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N11.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other chronic tubulo-interstitial nephritis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Chronic tubulo-interstitial nephritis is a condition characterized by the inflammation and fibrosis of the renal interstitium and tubules, leading to progressive renal dysfunction. This condition can arise from various etiologies, including recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), drug-induced nephropathy, and systemic diseases. Pyelonephritis, a specific type of kidney infection, can contribute to chronic interstitial nephritis if left untreated, resulting in scarring and loss of kidney function. Hydronephrosis, which occurs when urine flow is obstructed, can also lead to interstitial nephritis due to increased pressure and subsequent damage to renal tissues. Drug-induced nephropathy is a significant cause of chronic tubulo-interstitial nephritis, often associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antibiotics, and other medications. Management typically involves addressing the underlying cause, such as treating UTIs with appropriate antibiotics, and monitoring renal function to prevent progression to end-stage renal disease. The complexity of this condition lies in its multifactorial nature and the need for comprehensive clinical evaluation and documentation.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential underlying causes (e.g., drug-induced, infectious)
  • Need for detailed patient history and medication review
  • Differentiation from acute interstitial nephritis and other renal conditions
  • Potential for overlapping diagnoses (e.g., pyelonephritis, hydronephrosis)

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of underlying causes
  • Failure to specify chronicity of the condition
  • Misidentification of acute versus chronic conditions
  • Lack of comprehensive medication history

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Nephrology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed renal function tests, medication history, and imaging studies.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with chronic kidney disease, recurrent UTIs, or history of nephrotoxic drug use.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the chronic nature and any contributing factors to avoid misclassification.

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes, imaging results, and history of urinary obstruction.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with hydronephrosis or recurrent pyelonephritis.

Billing Considerations

Document any interventions performed to relieve obstruction or treat infections.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N11.8 When
  • Follow official coding guidelines for chronic conditions, ensuring accurate documentation of the patient's history, current medications, and any relevant laboratory results
  • Include specific details about the chronicity and any contributing factors

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N11.8 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

76775CPT Code

Ultrasound, renal

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate renal structure in patients with suspected chronic nephritis.

Documentation Requirements

Document indications for ultrasound and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Nephrology and Urology may both utilize this procedure for diagnosis.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of chronic conditions like N11.8, improving the granularity of data for epidemiological studies and healthcare management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of chronic conditions like N11.8, improving the granularity of data for epidemiological studies and healthcare management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of chronic conditions like N11.8, improving the granularity of data for epidemiological studies and healthcare management.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Chronic Kidney Disease: A Guide for Patients

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Chronic Kidney Disease: A Guide for Patients

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of chronic tubulo-interstitial nephritis?

Common causes include recurrent urinary tract infections, drug-induced nephropathy, and systemic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.

How can chronic tubulo-interstitial nephritis be differentiated from acute forms?

Chronic forms typically present with a gradual decline in renal function over months to years, while acute forms present with sudden onset symptoms and rapid changes in renal function.