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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN13.729

N13.729

Billable

Vesicoureteral-reflux with reflux nephropathy without hydroureter, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N13.729 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of vesicoureteral-reflux with reflux nephropathy without hydroureter, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a condition where urine flows backward from the bladder into the ureters and potentially into the kidneys. This backward flow can lead to recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and can cause damage to the kidneys, known as reflux nephropathy. In cases where there is no hydroureter, the ureters remain normal in size despite the reflux. Reflux nephropathy can result in pyelonephritis, which is an infection of the kidney, and interstitial nephritis, characterized by inflammation of the kidney's interstitial tissue. Patients may present with symptoms such as flank pain, fever, and dysuria. Chronic VUR can lead to renal scarring and hypertension. Management often includes antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent UTIs, and in severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct the reflux. The absence of hydroureter indicates that there is no dilation of the ureters, which can complicate the clinical picture and management strategies.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between reflux nephropathy and other nephropathies.
  • Understanding the implications of recurrent UTIs and their management.
  • Identifying the absence of hydroureter in imaging studies.
  • Documenting the severity and chronicity of the condition.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of reflux nephropathy severity.
  • Failure to document recurrent UTIs.
  • Misclassification of the absence of hydroureter.
  • Inconsistent coding of associated conditions.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of urinary tract infections, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Children presenting with recurrent UTIs and diagnosed with VUR.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of growth and development impacts due to renal scarring.

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of renal function, imaging studies, and surgical intervention notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Adults with VUR requiring surgical correction or management of complications.

Billing Considerations

Need for detailed surgical documentation if corrective procedures are performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N13.729 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the condition's severity and associated symptoms
  • Include details on recurrent UTIs and any imaging studies that confirm the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N13.729 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

CPT 50435CPT Code

Cystoscopy with ureteral stent placement

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases where VUR is severe and requires intervention.

Documentation Requirements

Document indications for stent placement and any imaging results.

Specialty Considerations

Urology specialists should ensure detailed procedural notes.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like vesicoureteral reflux, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of the condition.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like vesicoureteral reflux, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of the condition.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like vesicoureteral reflux, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of the condition.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Urological Association Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Urological Association Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of coding N13.729?

Coding N13.729 accurately reflects the patient's condition of vesicoureteral reflux with reflux nephropathy, which is crucial for appropriate management and treatment planning.