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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesChapter 14: Diseases of the genitourinary systemN13

N13

Non-billable

Obstructive and reflux uropathy

Chapter 14:Diseases of the genitourinary system

BILLABLE STATUSNo
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/12/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 N13 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of obstructive and reflux uropathy.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Obstructive and reflux uropathy encompasses a range of conditions characterized by the obstruction of urine flow and the backward flow of urine from the bladder into the ureters or kidneys. This category includes conditions such as hydronephrosis, ureteral obstruction, and vesicoureteral reflux, which can lead to significant renal impairment if not diagnosed and managed promptly. The clinical significance of these conditions lies in their potential to cause kidney damage, urinary tract infections, and other complications, making early detection and intervention crucial for preserving renal function and overall patient health.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

    Audit Risk Factors

      Specialty Focus

      Medical Specialties

      Nephrology

      Documentation Requirements

      Detailed patient history including symptoms, laboratory results, and imaging studies related to kidney function.

      Common Clinical Scenarios

      Management of patients with chronic kidney disease due to obstructive uropathy or vesicoureteral reflux.

      Billing Considerations

      Ensure to document the degree of renal impairment and any previous interventions related to urinary obstruction.

      Urology

      Documentation Requirements

      Comprehensive notes on the patient's urinary history, physical examinations, and results from urodynamic studies.

      Common Clinical Scenarios

      Surgical interventions for ureteral obstruction or vesicoureteral reflux repair, including preoperative assessments.

      Billing Considerations

      Need to specify the anatomical location of obstruction and any associated conditions.

      Emergency Medicine

      Documentation Requirements

      Accurate and timely documentation of presenting symptoms, vital signs, and initial treatment provided.

      Common Clinical Scenarios

      Acute management of patients presenting with flank pain or urinary retention due to obstructive uropathy.

      Billing Considerations

      Document the urgency of intervention and any imaging studies ordered to assess kidney status.

      Internal Medicine

      Documentation Requirements

      Thorough assessment of comorbidities and their impact on urinary function, as well as any medication history.

      Common Clinical Scenarios

      Evaluation and management of patients with chronic conditions contributing to obstructive uropathy.

      Billing Considerations

      Documentation should reflect a multidisciplinary approach, considering both renal and systemic implications.

      Related CPT Codes

      50360CPT Code

      Clinical Scenario

      Documentation Requirements

      Indication for procedure, imaging results, and patient consent.

      52332CPT Code

      Clinical Scenario

      Documentation Requirements

      Details of the cystoscopy findings and specific agent used for injection.

      76000CPT Code

      Clinical Scenario

      Documentation Requirements

      Clear rationale for fluoroscopy use and detailed procedural notes.

      51702CPT Code

      Clinical Scenario

      Documentation Requirements

      Pre- and post-procedure assessments, including patient symptoms.

      50590CPT Code

      Clinical Scenario

      Documentation Requirements

      Indications for lithotripsy, imaging studies supporting diagnosis.

      ICD-10 Impact

      Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

      Enhanced Specificity

      ICD-10 Improvements

      The clinical and administrative impact of the N13 code category is significant, as it directly relates to the management of conditions that can lead to serious health complications. Accurate coding and documentation can influence quality measures and performance metrics, affecting reimbursement rates and overall healthcare trends. Moreover, understanding the population health implications of obstructive and reflux uropathy can help healthcare providers implement preventive strategies and improve patient outcomes, thereby reducing the burden on healthcare systems.

      ICD-9 vs ICD-10

      The clinical and administrative impact of the N13 code category is significant, as it directly relates to the management of conditions that can lead to serious health complications. Accurate coding and documentation can influence quality measures and performance metrics, affecting reimbursement rates and overall healthcare trends. Moreover, understanding the population health implications of obstructive and reflux uropathy can help healthcare providers implement preventive strategies and improve patient outcomes, thereby reducing the burden on healthcare systems.

      Reimbursement & Billing Impact

      reimbursement rates and overall healthcare trends. Moreover, understanding the population health implications of obstructive and reflux uropathy can help healthcare providers implement preventive strategies and improve patient outcomes, thereby reducing the burden on healthcare systems.

      Resources

      Clinical References

      • •
        Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO)
      • •
        American Urological Association (AUA)
      • •
        National Kidney Foundation (NKF)
      • •
        Urology Care Foundation

      Coding & Billing References

      • •
        Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO)
      • •
        American Urological Association (AUA)
      • •
        National Kidney Foundation (NKF)
      • •
        Urology Care Foundation

      Frequently Asked Questions

      What conditions are included in N13?

      N13 includes obstructive uropathy due to various causes such as stones, tumors, or congenital anomalies, as well as reflux uropathy resulting from vesicoureteral reflux.

      When should I use N13 codes?

      N13 codes should be used when documenting cases of obstructive or reflux uropathy, particularly when there is evidence of renal impairment or complications arising from these conditions.

      What documentation is required for N13?

      Documentation should include a detailed clinical history, results from imaging studies, and any relevant laboratory tests that support the diagnosis of obstructive or reflux uropathy.