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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN28.1

N28.1

Billable

Cyst of kidney, acquired

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N28.1 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of cyst of kidney, acquired.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An acquired cyst of the kidney is a fluid-filled sac that forms on or within the kidney tissue. These cysts can develop due to various factors, including age, kidney disease, or injury. Unlike congenital cysts, which are present at birth, acquired cysts typically arise later in life and may be associated with conditions such as chronic kidney disease or ischemic nephropathy. The cysts can vary in size and may be solitary or multiple. While many acquired kidney cysts are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during imaging studies, larger cysts can lead to symptoms such as flank pain, hematuria, or urinary obstruction. Diagnosis is often confirmed through ultrasound or CT imaging, which can help differentiate between simple cysts and more complex renal masses. Management may involve monitoring for changes in size or symptoms, and in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary if complications arise. Understanding the nature of these cysts is crucial for appropriate coding and treatment planning.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between acquired and congenital cysts
  • Identifying associated conditions such as chronic kidney disease
  • Understanding imaging findings and their implications
  • Documenting symptoms and their relation to the cyst

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of cyst characteristics
  • Failure to document associated kidney disorders
  • Misclassification of cyst type (acquired vs. congenital)
  • Lack of imaging reports to support diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Nephrology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, imaging results, and symptomatology related to kidney function.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with flank pain, hematuria, or incidental findings on imaging.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clarity in distinguishing between simple and complex cysts, as this affects management and coding.

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes, imaging studies, and follow-up assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients requiring surgical intervention for symptomatic cysts or those with complications.

Billing Considerations

Document the rationale for surgical procedures and any complications that arise.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N28.1 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, N28
  • 1 should be used when the cyst is confirmed as acquired
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any associated conditions are also coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N28.1 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

50590CPT Code

Laparoscopic nephrectomy

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for symptomatic cysts.

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes detailing the procedure and indications.

Specialty Considerations

Urologists should document the rationale for nephrectomy versus cyst aspiration.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of kidney disorders, including acquired cysts, improving the accuracy of patient records and treatment plans.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of kidney disorders, including acquired cysts, improving the accuracy of patient records and treatment plans.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of kidney disorders, including acquired cysts, improving the accuracy of patient records and treatment plans.

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 an acquired cyst and a congenital cyst?

An acquired cyst develops later in life due to factors such as kidney disease or injury, while a congenital cyst is present at birth and typically arises from genetic conditions.