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R34
ICD-10-CM
Low Urine Output

Understanding low urine output oliguria anuria diagnosis and treatment is crucial for healthcare professionals. This resource provides information on clinical documentation best practices medical coding ICD-10 codes N13.9 R34 and SNOMED CT concepts for oliguria anuria and low urine volume. Learn about causes symptoms and management of decreased urine production in adults and children including acute kidney injury AKI dehydration and urinary tract obstruction. Explore guidelines for accurate diagnosis and appropriate medical coding for low urine output to ensure optimal patient care and accurate reimbursement.

Also known as

Oliguria
Anuria

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Reduced urine production, typically less than 400ml per day in adults.
  • Clinical Signs : Decreased urination frequency, swelling, dehydration, fatigue.
  • Common Settings : Hospital, acute care, kidney failure, dehydration treatment.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC R34 Coding
R34

Anuria and oliguria

Covers conditions of absent or diminished urine production.

N79

Other disorders of kidney and ureter

Includes unspecified kidney disorders that may cause low urine output.

R60-R69

General symptoms and signs

May include dehydration and other symptoms related to reduced urine.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is oliguria due to acute kidney injury (AKI)?

  • Yes

    Stage of AKI documented?

  • No

    Is oliguria due to dehydration?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Low Urine Output
Acute Kidney Injury
Dehydration

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Low urine output diagnosis: Document volume, frequency
  • Oliguria ICD-10 coding: Specify cause, onset
  • Document patient hydration status, fluid intake
  • Low urine output: Include relevant lab results
  • Assess and document kidney function, comorbidities

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Oliguria

    Coding oliguria without specifying cause (prerenal, renal, postrenal) can lead to claim denials and inaccurate severity reflection.

  • Comorbidity Overlook

    Failing to code underlying conditions like dehydration, AKI, or obstruction contributing to low urine output impacts DRG assignment.

  • Documentation Clarity

    Vague documentation lacking specific urine output measurements and duration hinders accurate coding and audit defense.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document oliguria severity & duration for accurate ICD-10 coding (R34.x)
  • Review nephrotoxic meds in CDI to rule out drug-induced oliguria (N17.9)
  • Monitor fluid balance, I&O, and ensure accurate EHR documentation for compliance
  • Evaluate and document bladder distension to differentiate from urinary retention
  • Timely nephrology consult improves outcomes and supports compliant billing

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify oliguria criteria: <0.5 mL/kg/hr x 6 hrs
  • Review fluid balance, I&O, medications
  • Assess for prerenal, renal, postrenal causes
  • Check BUN/Cr, assess volume status
  • Consider bladder scan, if applicable

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Low Urine Output reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10 coding (R34, N17.9, etc.) and linking to underlying conditions like acute kidney injury (AKI) or dehydration for optimal payment.
  • Coding quality directly impacts MS-DRG assignment and case mix index (CMI), influencing hospital reimbursement for low urine output cases.
  • Timely and specific documentation of low urine output is crucial for severity level assignment, affecting hospital quality reporting and potential penalties.
  • Accurate diagnosis coding and clinical documentation improvement (CDI) initiatives for low urine output can minimize claim denials and improve revenue cycle.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions and Answers

Q: What are the most common differential diagnoses to consider in a patient presenting with oliguria and how can I differentiate between them?

A: Oliguria, defined as urine output less than 0.5 mL/kg/hour in adults or less than 1 mL/kg/hour in children, requires prompt evaluation to identify the underlying cause. Common differential diagnoses include prerenal causes (e.g., dehydration, hypovolemia, heart failure, sepsis), renal causes (e.g., acute tubular necrosis, acute interstitial nephritis, glomerulonephritis), and postrenal causes (e.g., urinary tract obstruction, bladder dysfunction). Differentiating between these requires a thorough clinical assessment, including evaluating volume status (e.g., orthostatic vital signs, jugular venous pressure), reviewing medications, assessing for signs of infection, and analyzing laboratory data such as serum creatinine, BUN, and urine electrolytes. Explore how fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) and urine osmolality can help distinguish prerenal from renal causes. Further imaging studies like renal ultrasound or CT scan may be necessary to identify postrenal obstruction or assess renal parenchyma. Consider implementing a diagnostic algorithm for oliguria in your practice to ensure a systematic approach. Learn more about the specific management strategies for each category of oliguria.

Q: How can I rapidly assess and manage a critically ill patient with acute oliguria in the ICU setting, considering potential complications?

A: Rapid assessment and management of acute oliguria in the ICU are crucial to prevent potential complications like acute kidney injury (AKI). Begin by ensuring hemodynamic stability, including adequate intravascular volume and appropriate blood pressure support. Evaluate for signs of sepsis and initiate appropriate antibiotic therapy if suspected. Closely monitor fluid balance, electrolyte levels, and acid-base status. Consider the impact of nephrotoxic medications and adjust or discontinue them as needed. Early initiation of renal replacement therapy (RRT) may be indicated in severe cases of oliguria with volume overload, electrolyte abnormalities, or uremia refractory to medical management. Explore the latest guidelines for AKI management in critically ill patients. Learn more about the indications and timing of RRT initiation in the ICU setting.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code oliguria R34.0
  • Document output volume
  • Specify cause if known

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with oliguria, defined as low urine output, less than 400 mL per 24 hours or less than 0.5 mL/kg/hour in adults.  Assessment reveals decreased urine production concerning for acute kidney injury (AKI), potentially prerenal, renal, or postrenal in etiology.  Patient reports [Insert subjective symptoms e.g., decreased fluid intake, flank pain, dysuria, abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, edema].  Physical examination reveals [Insert objective findings e.g., vital signs including blood pressure and heart rate, signs of dehydration such as dry mucous membranes, skin turgor, and capillary refill time; abdominal tenderness; presence of edema].  Differential diagnosis includes dehydration, urinary tract obstruction, acute tubular necrosis (ATN), nephrotoxic medications, prerenal azotemia, and other causes of renal dysfunction.  Laboratory investigations ordered include serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), electrolytes, urinalysis, and complete blood count (CBC) to assess renal function and identify potential underlying causes.  Initial management includes fluid resuscitation with intravenous fluids to address potential dehydration and optimize renal perfusion.  Further diagnostic testing, such as renal ultrasound or CT scan, may be indicated depending on the clinical course and response to initial interventions.  Patient education provided on the importance of monitoring fluid intake and output and recognizing signs of worsening renal function.  Plan to monitor urine output closely, reassess renal function with repeat laboratory tests, and adjust management accordingly.  ICD-10 code R34.0 (Anuria and oliguria) is considered.  Continued monitoring and evaluation are essential to determine the underlying cause of the oliguria and guide appropriate treatment strategies.
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