Understand the documentation and coding requirements for a history of pyelonephritis. Find information on clinical indicators, ICD-10 codes (N88.0, N88.1, N88.8, N88.9), medical necessity guidelines, past medical history documentation, and chronic pyelonephritis diagnosis. This resource helps healthcare professionals accurately document and code encounters related to a history of pyelonephritis for optimal reimbursement and patient care. Learn about acute pyelonephritis vs. chronic pyelonephritis and ensure proper coding for recurrent urinary tract infections.
Also known as
Tubulo-interstitial diseases
Covers chronic tubulo-interstitial nephritis, including pyelonephritis sequelae.
Obstructive and reflux uropathy
Conditions predisposing to or causing pyelonephritis may be found here.
Personal history of urinary diseases
Specific code for personal history of pyelonephritis and other urinary diseases.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the pyelonephritis currently active?
Yes
Do NOT code history of. Code the active pyelonephritis (N10-N12).
No
Any specified complications?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
History of pyelonephritis |
Acute pyelonephritis |
Chronic pyelonephritis |
Coding pyelonephritis without specifying laterality (left, right, or bilateral) can lead to claim rejections and inaccurate data reporting.
Misclassifying acute and chronic pyelonephritis (N10 vs. N11) impacts severity scores and reimbursement. Clear documentation is crucial.
Failing to document the presence or absence of obstruction can lead to incorrect coding and underreporting complexity.
Patient presents with a history of pyelonephritis. The patient reports previous episodes of acute pyelonephritis, confirmed by documented urinary tract infection (UTI) with flank pain, fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting. Prior urinalysis results demonstrated pyuria, bacteriuria, and positive leukocyte esterase and nitrites. Past medical history includes recurrent UTIs, possibly associated with anatomical abnormalities or functional bladder issues. The patient may have received prior antibiotic treatment for pyelonephritis with agents such as fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins, or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Current symptoms may include persistent or recurrent flank pain, dysuria, frequency, urgency, or malaise. Differential diagnosis includes other causes of flank pain such as nephrolithiasis or musculoskeletal pain. Plan includes assessment for recurrent UTI symptoms, urinalysis with culture and sensitivity, and consideration for renal imaging such as ultrasound or CT scan to evaluate for underlying kidney abnormalities or complications like renal scarring or abscess. Patient education regarding preventative measures for UTIs, such as increasing fluid intake and proper hygiene, will be provided. Follow-up care will be arranged to monitor symptom resolution and ensure appropriate management of any underlying conditions contributing to recurrent pyelonephritis. ICD-10 code N11.8 will be considered for history of pyelonephritis, and additional codes may be necessary depending on presenting symptoms and diagnostic findings.