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N05.1
ICD-10-CM
Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis

Understand Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) diagnosis, clinical documentation, and medical coding. Learn about FSGS symptoms, treatment, and Focal Glomerulosclerosis management. Find information on focal segmental glomerular lesions and relevant healthcare coding terms for accurate clinical documentation. This resource provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals, medical coders, and patients seeking information on FSGS.

Also known as

FSGS
Focal Glomerulosclerosis
focal segmental glomerular lesions

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Scarring in kidney filters (glomeruli) leading to protein leakage and kidney damage.
  • Clinical Signs : Protein in urine (proteinuria), swelling, high blood pressure, reduced kidney function.
  • Common Settings : Primary kidney disease, genetic disorders, infections, medications, obesity.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC N05.1 Coding
N00-N99

Diseases of the genitourinary system

Includes various kidney diseases like FSGS.

N00-N08

Glomerular diseases

Covers specific glomerular disorders such as FSGS.

N04-N04

Nephrotic syndrome

FSGS can manifest as nephrotic syndrome.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the FSGS primary (idiopathic) or secondary?

  • Primary (idiopathic)

    Is it recurrent after transplant?

  • Secondary

    Is it due to a specific cause?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Scarring in kidney filters (glomeruli).
Kidney inflammation, nephrotic syndrome.
Kidney disease with protein in urine.

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • FSGS diagnosis: Document proteinuria level.
  • FSGS: Kidney biopsy findings (e.g., segmental sclerosis).
  • Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: Document cause if known (e.g., primary, secondary).
  • FSGS: Include estimated GFR and staging.
  • Document treatment plan for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (e.g., medications, dialysis).

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Specificity of FSGS Coding

    Coding FSGS requires specifying the cause (primary, secondary, or unspecified) to ensure accurate reimbursement and data analysis. Missing or inaccurate etiology impacts severity and treatment.

  • Clinical Validation of FSGS

    Diagnosing FSGS needs biopsy confirmation. Coding without sufficient clinical documentation can lead to denials and compliance issues. CDI can clarify documentation gaps.

  • Confusing FSGS Variants

    FSGS has different morphologic variants. Miscoding the specific variant (e.g., collapsing, tip lesion) affects research data and potential treatment pathways.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Code FSGS with N80.3 ICD-10-CM for accurate reimbursement.
  • Document proteinuria and kidney biopsy findings for FSGS diagnosis.
  • Query physician for FSGS etiology to improve CDI and risk adjustment.
  • Monitor BP and GFR for FSGS patients per clinical guidelines.
  • Consider genetic testing and immunosuppressants for FSGS management.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify proteinuria via urinalysis (ICD-10-CM N04, R80)
  • Assess for microscopic hematuria (ICD-10-CM R31)
  • Evaluate for hypertension (ICD-10-CM I10, I15)
  • Check estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) for kidney function

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10-CM coding (N04.1) and supporting documentation.
  • FSGS diagnosis quality metrics impact proteinuria reporting, GFR staging, and biopsy confirmation rates.
  • Proper FSGS coding impacts Case Mix Index (CMI) and accurate hospital reimbursement for complex renal care.
  • Optimize FSGS documentation for improved medical billing, risk adjustment, and quality reporting compliance.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions and Answers

Q: What are the key differentiating factors in the differential diagnosis of Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) vs. Minimal Change Disease (MCD) in adult patients?

A: Differentiating FSGS and MCD in adults can be challenging due to overlapping clinical presentations. While both may present with nephrotic syndrome, key differences exist. Histologically, MCD typically shows normal glomeruli on light microscopy and effacement of podocyte foot processes on electron microscopy. FSGS, on the other hand, demonstrates segmental sclerosis and hyalinosis affecting some glomeruli. Clinically, FSGS patients often present with higher degrees of proteinuria, reduced kidney function at presentation, and are less responsive to steroid therapy compared to MCD. Furthermore, genetic testing and consideration of secondary causes (e.g., medications, infections, obesity) are crucial for accurate diagnosis of FSGS. Consider implementing a stepwise approach incorporating clinical features, laboratory findings, and histopathological evaluation, particularly electron microscopy, to differentiate FSGS from MCD effectively. Explore how genetic testing can further refine the diagnosis and guide personalized treatment strategies for FSGS.

Q: How does the management of primary FSGS differ from the management of secondary FSGS, and what are the latest evidence-based treatment guidelines for each?

A: The management of FSGS depends critically on identifying whether the underlying cause is primary (idiopathic) or secondary. Primary FSGS is commonly treated with immunosuppressive therapy, such as corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors (e.g., tacrolimus, cyclosporine), or rituximab, often guided by the KDIGO clinical practice guideline for glomerulonephritis. Secondary FSGS, however, requires addressing the underlying cause. This might involve discontinuing offending medications, controlling infections like HIV or hepatitis B/C, optimizing blood pressure control in cases of hypertensive nephrosclerosis, or addressing obesity-related glomerulopathy. The treatment of secondary FSGS often focuses on managing the primary condition, which may lead to improvement or stabilization of the glomerular lesion. Learn more about the specific treatment recommendations for various secondary causes of FSGS and how they can impact the overall management strategy.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code FSGS N60.1
  • Query for lesion location
  • Document sclerosis extent
  • Check for secondary FSGS
  • Review for proteinuria

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with signs and symptoms suggestive of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS).  These include [Insert specific patient signs and symptoms e.g., edema, proteinuria, hypertension, reduced kidney function, foamy urine, fatigue].  Laboratory evaluation reveals [Insert pertinent lab values e.g., elevated creatinine, decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR), urine protein creatinine ratio, presence of hematuria].  A 24-hour urine collection showed [Insert 24-hour urine protein value].  Based on these findings, the differential diagnosis includes FSGS, minimal change disease, membranous nephropathy, and IgA nephropathy.  A kidney biopsy was performed to confirm the diagnosis.  Histopathological examination revealed focal segmental glomerular lesions characteristic of FSGS, confirming the diagnosis.  The patient's clinical presentation and biopsy results are consistent with the diagnostic criteria for FSGS.  Treatment options for FSGS, including corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and blood pressure control with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), were discussed with the patient.  The chosen treatment plan is [Insert specific treatment plan including medication names, dosages, and frequency].  The patient will be closely monitored for treatment response and potential adverse effects.  Follow-up appointments are scheduled to assess kidney function, proteinuria, and blood pressure.  Patient education was provided regarding lifestyle modifications, dietary restrictions, and medication adherence. The prognosis for FSGS varies depending on the underlying cause and response to therapy. This documentation supports ICD-10 code N04.1, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, for billing and coding purposes.  The patient understands the diagnosis and treatment plan.
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