Understanding Acquired Absence of Kidney (AAK), also known as post-nephrectomy status or unilateral nephrectomy? This guide covers clinical documentation and medical coding for AAK, offering insights for healthcare professionals on accurately recording this diagnosis in medical records. Learn about appropriate terminology and best practices for coding Acquired Absence of Kidney for optimal reimbursement and data analysis.
Also known as
Persons with potential health hazards related to socioeconomic and psychosocial circumstances
Covers acquired absence of organs, including kidney, due to surgery like nephrectomy.
Other disorders of kidney and ureter
Includes other specified kidney conditions, potentially relevant to post-nephrectomy state.
Congenital malformations of the urinary system
While focused on congenital absence, may offer codes for comparison or complications with acquired absence.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the absence of kidney acquired?
Yes
Is it due to surgical removal?
No
Do not code for acquired absence. Review documentation for appropriate code.
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| One kidney absent after surgical removal. |
| Congenital absence of one or both kidneys. |
| Kidney function loss, not due to absence. |
Missing laterality (right, left, unspecified) for acquired absence of kidney can lead to inaccurate coding and reimbursement.
Failure to code the underlying cause of kidney absence (e.g., nephrectomy) can impact data analysis and quality metrics.
Incorrectly coding postoperative complications related to the nephrectomy instead of the absent kidney can skew complication rates.
Q: What are the long-term management considerations for patients with acquired absence of a kidney (unilateral nephrectomy)?
A: Long-term management of patients with acquired absence of a kidney, often referred to as post-nephrectomy status or unilateral nephrectomy, focuses on preserving the function of the remaining kidney and minimizing potential long-term complications. Key aspects include regular monitoring of blood pressure, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio. Controlling hypertension is crucial to prevent further renal damage. Lifestyle modifications such as dietary sodium restriction and regular exercise are recommended. Patients should also avoid nephrotoxic medications like NSAIDs when possible. Regular follow-up with a nephrologist is essential to assess renal function and adjust management strategies as needed. Consider implementing a standardized follow-up protocol for consistent monitoring and early intervention. Explore how our platform can help you streamline patient management for those with acquired absence of a kidney.
Q: How can I differentiate between congenital solitary kidney and acquired absence of a kidney (post-nephrectomy) in my differential diagnosis?
A: Differentiating between a congenital solitary kidney and acquired absence of a kidney (post-nephrectomy status) requires careful review of the patient's medical history, imaging studies, and physical exam. In cases of acquired absence, a history of nephrectomy will be documented, often with associated surgical scars. Imaging, particularly abdominal ultrasound or CT, will confirm the absence of one kidney and can provide insights into the cause of the nephrectomy (e.g., tumor, trauma, infection). Congenital solitary kidney, however, presents without a history of nephrectomy and imaging may reveal compensatory hypertrophy of the single kidney. Additionally, congenital anomalies in other organ systems may be present. Thorough history-taking and detailed imaging analysis are vital for accurate diagnosis. Learn more about our advanced imaging analysis tools that can help differentiate these conditions with precision.
Patient presents with acquired absence of the rightleft kidney, confirmed by imaging (CT abdomenpelvis) and consistent with past medical history of nephrectomy. This post-nephrectomy status is secondary to (indicate reason for nephrectomy, e.g., renal cell carcinoma, traumatic injury, chronic pyelonephritis, kidney donation). Patient is currently (asymptomatic, symptomatic) with (describe symptoms if present, e.g., flank pain, hematuria, proteinuria). Physical exam reveals (relevant findings, e.g., well-healed surgical scar, absence of palpable kidney). Serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) are within (normal, abnormal) limits at (provide specific values). Unilateral nephrectomy complications, such as hypertension or chronic kidney disease, are not currently evident. Plan includes continued monitoring of renal function with periodic laboratory testing including serum creatinine, eGFR, and urinalysis. Patient education provided regarding potential long-term implications of single kidney living, including lifestyle modifications for renal protection and signs and symptoms of renal insufficiency. Follow-up scheduled in (timeframe) to reassess renal function and overall health status. ICD-10 code Z90.5 (acquired absence of kidney) is applicable.