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N18.30
ICD-10-CM
Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3

Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3 (CKD3 or ckd stage 3) requires accurate clinical documentation and medical coding. This resource provides information on CKD Stage 3 diagnosis, including moderate CKD management, relevant healthcare guidelines, and best practices for medical coding and documentation. Learn about the key indicators, treatment options, and clinical considerations for Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3 to ensure proper patient care and accurate medical records.

Also known as

CKD3
Moderate CKD
ckd stage 3
+1 more

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Kidney damage with moderately decreased GFR (45-59 mL/min/1.73 m2).
  • Clinical Signs : Often asymptomatic. Possible swelling, fatigue, high blood pressure.
  • Common Settings : Primary care, nephrology clinics, dialysis centers (later stages).

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC N18.30 Coding
N18.3

Chronic kidney disease, stage 3

Moderate decrease in kidney function.

N18

Chronic kidney disease

Long-term progressive loss of kidney function.

I10-I15

Hypertensive diseases

High blood pressure, a common cause of CKD.

E10-E14

Diabetes mellitus

Another leading cause of chronic kidney disease.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the documented diagnosis Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3?

  • Yes

    Is there documentation of cause?

  • No

    Do not code as CKD Stage 3. Review documentation for alternative diagnosis.

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Moderate kidney damage, GFR 30-59 mL/min.
Mild kidney damage, GFR 60-89 mL/min.
Severe kidney damage, GFR 15-29 mL/min.

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document GFR 45-59 mL/min/1.73 m2
  • Confirm diagnosis with eGFR and albuminuria
  • Specify CKD etiology (e.g., diabetes, hypertension)
  • Document complications (e.g., anemia, hyperparathyroidism)
  • Include patient education and treatment plan

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unconfirmed Diagnosis

    Lack of sufficient documentation to support CKD Stage 3 diagnosis, leading to potential coding errors and denials. Requires specific lab results and clinical findings.

  • Specificity of CKD3

    Coding CKD Stage 3 requires precise documentation of GFR and albuminuria levels. Unspecified CKD coding may lead to downcoding and lost revenue.

  • Comorbidity Coding

    CKD3 often coexists with conditions like hypertension and diabetes. Failing to capture these comorbidities impacts risk adjustment and reimbursement.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Code CKD3 with ICD-10-CM N18.3 for accurate reimbursement.
  • Document CKD stage using eGFR and albuminuria for improved CDI.
  • Control hypertension and diabetes to slow CKD3 progression.
  • Educate patients on medication adherence and lifestyle changes.
  • Monitor kidney function regularly for timely intervention and compliance.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify eGFR 30-59 mL/min/1.73 m2 for 3+ months (ICD-10 N18.3)
  • Confirm albuminuria/proteinuria documentation (ICD-10 N18.30, N18.31, N18.32, N18.39)
  • Review cause of CKD if known (document underlying condition)
  • Check medications for nephrotoxicity and adjust if needed
  • Patient education on CKD management and dietary restrictions

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3 (CKD3) diagnosis impacts reimbursement through accurate ICD-10 coding (N44.1).
  • CKD3 coding accuracy affects quality metrics like hospitalization rates and ER visits.
  • Proper CKD stage 3 documentation improves RAF scores and risk adjustment accuracy.
  • Timely CKD3 diagnosis reporting enhances patient care and reduces long-term costs.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes for . Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions and Answers

Q: What are the most effective strategies for managing proteinuria in patients with chronic kidney disease stage 3 (CKD3)?

A: Managing proteinuria in CKD3 is crucial for slowing disease progression. Evidence-based strategies include optimizing blood pressure control, primarily with ACE inhibitors or ARBs, and implementing dietary protein restriction tailored to the patient's individual needs and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Consider implementing dual RAAS blockade in appropriate patients. Explore how SGLT2 inhibitors can further reduce proteinuria and offer cardiorenal protection. Regular monitoring of proteinuria through urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) is essential for assessing treatment effectiveness. Learn more about the latest KDIGO guidelines for CKD management.

Q: How can clinicians differentiate between chronic kidney disease stage 3a and 3b, and what are the key implications for treatment and monitoring?

A: Differentiating between CKD3a and 3b hinges on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). CKD3a is defined by an eGFR between 45 and 59 mL/min/1.73m2, while CKD3b falls between 30 and 44 mL/min/1.73m2. This distinction is critical because it influences treatment decisions and monitoring frequency. Patients in CKD3b, with lower eGFR, require closer monitoring for complications like anemia, mineral bone disorders, and faster disease progression. Consider implementing strategies to manage cardiovascular risk factors more aggressively in CKD3b patients. Explore the latest research on the use of non-calcium-based phosphate binders and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in this patient population.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code N71.1 for CKD3
  • Document GFR 30-59
  • Specify CKD etiology
  • Query physician if unclear
  • Review labs for CKD stage

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with chronic kidney disease stage 3 (CKD3, moderate CKD), confirmed by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between 30 and 59 mL/min/1.73m2  persisting for greater than three months.  Relevant clinical findings include (but are not limited to) elevated creatinine levels, proteinuria, and or other markers of kidney damage.  Patient history includes [mention specific relevant history, e.g., hypertension, diabetes, family history of kidney disease].  Current medications include [list medications].  Physical exam reveals [document relevant findings, e.g., normal heart sounds, no edema].  Assessment includes chronic kidney disease stage 3 (CKD stage 3) with associated [list comorbidities, e.g., hypertension, anemia].  Plan includes monitoring of renal function (eGFR and creatinine), blood pressure management, management of underlying conditions contributing to CKD, patient education on dietary modifications (renal diet, protein restriction, potassium and phosphorus control), and medication management as indicated.  Referral to nephrology is considered.  ICD-10 code N18.3 (Chronic kidney disease, stage 3) is applicable.  Further evaluation and monitoring are warranted to assess disease progression and adjust treatment accordingly.  Patient understands the plan and agrees to follow up.
Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3 - AI-Powered ICD-10 Documentation