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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN15.8

N15.8

Billable

Other specified renal tubulo-interstitial diseases

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N15.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other specified renal tubulo-interstitial diseases.

Key Diagnostic Point:

N15.8 encompasses a variety of renal tubulo-interstitial diseases that do not fall under more specific categories. This includes conditions such as pyelonephritis, which is an infection of the kidney often caused by bacteria ascending from the urinary tract, leading to inflammation and potential renal damage. Interstitial nephritis, characterized by inflammation of the kidney interstitium, can be caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, or drug reactions. Hydronephrosis, the swelling of a kidney due to a build-up of urine, can occur from obstructions in the urinary tract. Drug-induced nephropathy is a significant concern, particularly with medications such as NSAIDs, antibiotics, and certain chemotherapeutic agents. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can also lead to renal complications if not treated promptly. Management often involves antibiotic therapy tailored to the specific pathogen identified, with careful monitoring for potential side effects and renal function. Accurate coding of these conditions is crucial for appropriate treatment and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes (infectious, autoimmune, drug-induced)
  • Overlap with other renal codes (e.g., pyelonephritis, interstitial nephritis)
  • Need for precise documentation of symptoms and treatment
  • Potential for multiple diagnoses in a single patient

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the specific type of renal disease
  • Failure to link symptoms to the diagnosis
  • Misclassification of the condition due to overlapping symptoms
  • Inconsistent coding practices among different providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Nephrology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on renal function tests, imaging studies, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, or recurrent UTIs.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the cause of renal impairment and any comorbid conditions.

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes, imaging results, and pathology reports for any interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with obstructive uropathy or recurrent urinary tract infections.

Billing Considerations

Document any surgical interventions or procedures performed to address urinary tract issues.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N15.8 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring to document the specific type of renal tubulo
  • interstitial disease
  • Include any relevant laboratory results and imaging studies to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N15.8 When
  • Exclude conditions that are more specifically coded elsewhere

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

76775CPT Code

Ultrasound, abdomen, complete

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate hydronephrosis or renal masses.

Documentation Requirements

Document indications for the ultrasound and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Nephrologists and urologists should ensure imaging correlates with clinical findings.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of renal conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. N15.8 provides a broader category for conditions that may not fit neatly into other classifications, but it requires careful documentation to ensure appropriate coding.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of renal conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. N15.8 provides a broader category for conditions that may not fit neatly into other classifications, but it requires careful documentation to ensure appropriate coding.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of renal conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. N15.8 provides a broader category for conditions that may not fit neatly into other classifications, but it requires careful documentation to ensure appropriate coding.

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 conditions are included under N15.8?

N15.8 includes various renal tubulo-interstitial diseases that are not classified elsewhere, such as drug-induced nephropathy, interstitial nephritis, and hydronephrosis.

When should I use N15.8 instead of more specific codes?

Use N15.8 when the specific type of renal tubulo-interstitial disease is not documented or when multiple conditions are present that do not fit into a single category.