ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN26.9

N26.9

Billable

Renal sclerosis, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N26.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of renal sclerosis, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Renal sclerosis refers to the hardening or scarring of kidney tissue, which can lead to impaired kidney function. This condition is often associated with chronic kidney disease and can result from various underlying causes, including hypertension, diabetes, and ischemic nephropathy. In renal sclerosis, the kidney's ability to filter blood and produce urine may be compromised, leading to a range of symptoms such as fatigue, swelling, and changes in urination patterns. The unspecified designation indicates that the specific cause of the renal sclerosis has not been determined or documented. Clinicians may encounter renal sclerosis in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease or those who have experienced prolonged renal ischemia due to reduced blood flow. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies, laboratory tests, and sometimes kidney biopsy to assess the extent of damage. Management focuses on controlling underlying conditions, such as blood pressure and diabetes, to slow the progression of kidney damage.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in underlying causes of renal sclerosis
  • Need for comprehensive patient history to determine etiology
  • Potential overlap with other kidney disorders
  • Documentation of chronic conditions affecting renal function

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of underlying conditions
  • Failure to specify the cause of renal sclerosis
  • Inconsistent coding with clinical findings
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for chronic conditions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Nephrology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with chronic kidney disease, hypertension, or diabetes presenting with renal dysfunction.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all contributing factors to renal function decline are documented.

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of comorbidities and their impact on renal health.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of patients with multiple chronic conditions affecting kidney function.

Billing Considerations

Document all relevant medications and lifestyle factors that may influence renal health.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N26.9 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, N26
  • 9 should be used when renal sclerosis is documented without a specified cause
  • Coders should ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that all relevant clinical information is included

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N26.9 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

76770CPT Code

Ultrasound, abdomen, complete

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate renal structure in patients with suspected renal sclerosis.

Documentation Requirements

Document indications for ultrasound and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Nephrologists should correlate ultrasound findings with clinical symptoms.

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 track and manage chronic kidney diseases. N26.9 provides a way to capture cases where the cause of renal sclerosis is not specified, but it requires careful documentation to avoid misclassification.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of renal conditions, improving the ability to track and manage chronic kidney diseases. N26.9 provides a way to capture cases where the cause of renal sclerosis is not specified, but it requires careful documentation to avoid misclassification.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of renal conditions, improving the ability to track and manage chronic kidney diseases. N26.9 provides a way to capture cases where the cause of renal sclerosis is not specified, but it requires careful documentation to avoid misclassification.

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 renal sclerosis and chronic kidney disease?

Renal sclerosis refers specifically to the scarring and hardening of kidney tissue, which can lead to chronic kidney disease. Chronic kidney disease is a broader term that encompasses various causes of kidney dysfunction, including renal sclerosis.