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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN15.9

N15.9

Billable

Renal tubulo-interstitial disease, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N15.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of renal tubulo-interstitial disease, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Renal tubulo-interstitial disease encompasses a group of disorders affecting the renal tubules and interstitium, which can lead to impaired kidney function. This condition can arise from various etiologies, including pyelonephritis, interstitial nephritis, and drug-induced nephropathy. Pyelonephritis, an infection of the kidney, can cause inflammation and damage to the renal interstitium. Interstitial nephritis, which may be acute or chronic, often results from allergic reactions to medications, infections, or autoimmune diseases. Hydronephrosis, characterized by the swelling of a kidney due to a build-up of urine, can also contribute to tubulo-interstitial disease if left untreated. Drug-induced nephropathy is a significant concern, particularly with the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), certain antibiotics, and chemotherapeutic agents. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can exacerbate these conditions, leading to further complications. Management often involves the use of antibiotics to treat infections, alongside addressing the underlying cause of the tubulo-interstitial disease. The unspecified nature of this code indicates that the specific type of renal tubulo-interstitial disease has not been clearly defined, necessitating thorough clinical documentation to guide treatment and coding.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes (e.g., infections, drug reactions)
  • Overlap with other renal conditions (e.g., glomerulonephritis)
  • Need for detailed clinical documentation to specify the type of disease
  • Potential for acute vs. chronic classification

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the specific type of renal disease
  • Failure to link symptoms to the diagnosis
  • Misclassification of acute vs. chronic conditions
  • Inconsistent use of related codes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Nephrology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, lab results, imaging studies, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with renal failure, unexplained electrolyte imbalances, or recurrent UTIs.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the etiology and any associated conditions to support the diagnosis.

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes, imaging results, and post-operative follow-up details.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with hydronephrosis or recurrent urinary tract infections requiring surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Document any surgical procedures performed and their relation to renal function.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N15.9 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used when the specific type of renal tubulo
  • interstitial disease is not documented
  • Include relevant clinical information to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N15.9 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

76770CPT Code

Ultrasound, abdomen, complete

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate kidney size and structure in patients with suspected renal disease.

Documentation Requirements

Document indications for the ultrasound and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Nephrologists may order this for assessing renal function.

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 ability to capture the nuances of renal tubulo-interstitial diseases. This has implications for treatment protocols and reimbursement.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of renal conditions, improving the ability to capture the nuances of renal tubulo-interstitial diseases. This has implications for treatment protocols and reimbursement.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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 difference between N15.9 and N15.1?

N15.9 is used for unspecified renal tubulo-interstitial disease, while N15.1 specifically refers to acute tubulo-interstitial nephritis, which requires more detailed documentation of the acute condition.