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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN13.39

N13.39

Billable

Other hydronephrosis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N13.39 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other hydronephrosis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Hydronephrosis refers to the swelling of a kidney due to a build-up of urine. It occurs when there is an obstruction in the urinary tract that prevents urine from draining properly from the kidney to the bladder. Other hydronephrosis (N13.39) encompasses cases that do not fall under specific categories of hydronephrosis, such as those caused by congenital anomalies, stones, or tumors. This condition can lead to complications such as pyelonephritis, which is an infection of the kidney, and interstitial nephritis, an inflammatory condition affecting the kidney's interstitium. Drug-induced nephropathy can also contribute to hydronephrosis, particularly when medications cause urinary obstruction or renal impairment. Patients with hydronephrosis may present with flank pain, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and changes in urinary output. Management often involves addressing the underlying cause of the obstruction, which may include surgical intervention, and antibiotic therapy to treat any associated infections. Accurate coding is essential for proper treatment and reimbursement, as hydronephrosis can significantly impact renal function if left untreated.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes leading to hydronephrosis
  • Differentiation from other types of nephropathy
  • Potential for co-existing conditions such as pyelonephritis
  • Need for detailed documentation of symptoms and treatment

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the underlying cause
  • Failure to document associated infections or complications
  • Misclassification of hydronephrosis type
  • Lack of clarity in treatment plans

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of urinary symptoms, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with flank pain, hematuria, or recurrent UTIs.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation specifies the cause of hydronephrosis and any interventions performed.

Nephrology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive renal function tests, history of kidney disease, and medication review.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with chronic kidney disease presenting with acute changes in renal function.

Billing Considerations

Document any drug-induced nephropathy and its relation to hydronephrosis.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N13.39 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, N13
  • 39 should be used when hydronephrosis is present without a more specific diagnosis
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any underlying causes are clearly identified

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N13.39 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

52000CPT Code

Cystoscopy

Clinical Scenario

Used to visualize the urinary tract in cases of suspected obstruction.

Documentation Requirements

Document indications for the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Urologists typically perform this procedure.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of hydronephrosis, enabling better tracking of the condition and its complications. N13.39 provides a broader category for cases that do not fit into more specific classifications, improving the granularity of data collection.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of hydronephrosis, enabling better tracking of the condition and its complications. N13.39 provides a broader category for cases that do not fit into more specific classifications, improving the granularity of data collection.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of hydronephrosis, enabling better tracking of the condition and its complications. N13.39 provides a broader category for cases that do not fit into more specific classifications, improving the granularity of data collection.

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 primary cause of hydronephrosis?

Hydronephrosis can be caused by various factors, including urinary tract obstructions from stones, tumors, or strictures, as well as congenital anomalies.

How is hydronephrosis diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scans, along with a review of the patient's symptoms and medical history.

What are the treatment options for hydronephrosis?

Treatment focuses on relieving the obstruction, which may involve surgical intervention, and managing any infections with antibiotics.