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N20.0
ICD-10-CM
Kidney Stones

Find comprehensive information on kidney stone diagnosis including renal calculi, nephrolithiasis, ICD-10 codes N20.0, N20.1, N20.8, N20.9, medical coding guidelines, clinical documentation improvement, and best practices for healthcare professionals. Learn about symptoms, diagnostic testing, treatment options, and prevention strategies for kidney stones. This resource provides accurate and up-to-date information for physicians, nurses, coders, and other healthcare providers involved in the diagnosis and management of kidney stones.

Also known as

Renal Calculi
Urolithiasis
Urinary Stones
+1 more

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Hard deposits forming in the kidneys, typically from minerals in urine.
  • Clinical Signs : Severe flank pain, nausea, vomiting, blood in urine, frequent urination, painful urination.
  • Common Settings : Emergency Room, Urology Clinic, Primary Care, Urgent Care.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC N20.0 Coding
N75.0-N75.9

Calculus of kidney and ureter

Kidney stones and related ureteral obstructions.

N75.8

Other calculus of kidney and ureter

Kidney stones not otherwise specified.

R33

Retention of urine

Inability to completely empty the bladder, sometimes caused by stones.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the kidney stone obstructing the urinary tract?

  • Yes

    Is the obstruction with hydronephrosis?

  • No

    Is there renal colic?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Kidney stones (Nephrolithiasis)
Renal colic
Ureteral obstruction

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Kidney stone size and location documented
  • Hydronephrosis level if present specified
  • Stone type (if known) e.g., calcium oxalate
  • Pain severity and characteristics charted
  • Associated symptoms e.g., nausea, hematuria

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Stone Type

    Coding lacks specificity (e.g., N20.0 vs N20.1). Impacts DRG and quality reporting. CDI query needed.

  • Hydronephrosis Coding

    N13. associated hydronephrosis may be overlooked, leading to undercoding and missed CC/MCC capture.

  • Ureter vs. Kidney

    Incorrect coding of stone location (ureter vs. kidney). Impacts medical necessity and payment for procedures.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Accurate ICD-10 coding (N20.0-N20.9) for kidney stones ensures proper reimbursement.
  • Detailed clinical documentation supports accurate coding for kidney stone diagnosis.
  • Regular CDI reviews improve coding accuracy and minimize compliance risks for kidney stones.
  • Physician queries clarify documentation for optimal kidney stone coding and compliance.
  • Timely coding updates and training ensure proper kidney stone diagnosis coding compliance.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify sudden severe flank pain radiating to groin (ICD-10 N20.0)
  • Confirm hematuria on urinalysis (SNOMED CT 48178009)
  • Check for nausea, vomiting, and restlessness (patient safety)
  • Review history of stones or family history (risk factors N20.9)
  • Order non-contrast CT KUB to confirm diagnosis (imaging)

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Kidney Stones Reimbursement: Coding accuracy impacts payer contracts and claim denials. Maximize revenue with correct ICD-10 (N00-N29) and CPT (50080-52357) codes.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: Accurate documentation of stone size, type, and treatment (lithotripsy, ureteroscopy) affects hospital quality reporting and value-based reimbursement.
  • Hospital Reporting: Kidney stone treatment outcomes data (complications, readmissions) influence public rankings and pay-for-performance programs.
  • Denial Management: Prevent claim denials by ensuring medical necessity documentation aligns with diagnosis and procedure codes for kidney stone treatments.

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.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code stone location, size if known
  • ICD-10 N20.0-N20.9
  • Document stone type, laterality
  • Confirm diagnosis with imaging
  • Check for obstruction, hydronephrosis

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints consistent with renal calculi, including acute flank pain radiating to the groin, hematuria, nausea, and vomiting.  Severity of pain fluctuates and is described as sharp, stabbing, or colicky.  Onset of symptoms occurred [Date/Time].  Patient reports [Frequency] episodes of similar pain in the past.  Medical history significant for [Relevant medical history e.g., hypertension, diabetes, gout, hyperparathyroidism, prior kidney stones].  Family history includes [Family history of kidney stones].  Physical examination reveals [Findings e.g., costovertebral angle tenderness, restlessness].  Urinalysis shows [Urinalysis results e.g., microscopic hematuria, crystals].  Imaging studies, including [Imaging modality e.g., CT scan without contrast, KUB x-ray], confirm the presence of [Number] kidney stone(s) located in the [Location e.g., right ureter, left kidney] measuring [Size] mm.  Differential diagnoses include pyelonephritis, appendicitis, and other causes of abdominal pain.  Assessment: Nephrolithiasis, likely [Stone type if known e.g., calcium oxalate].  Plan: Pain management with [Medication e.g., NSAIDs, opioids].  Patient is advised to increase fluid intake.  Strain all urine.  [Treatment plan e.g., Observation, medical expulsive therapy, lithotripsy, ureteroscopy] will be considered based on stone size and location.  Follow-up scheduled in [Duration] to assess stone passage and symptom resolution.  Patient education provided on kidney stone prevention, including dietary modifications and increased hydration.  ICD-10 code: [ICD-10 code e.g., N20.0].
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