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Z91.159
ICD-10-CM
Missed Dialysis

Understand Missed Dialysis diagnosis, clinical documentation, and medical coding. Find information on healthcare implications, ICD-10 codes for Missed Dialysis, and best practices for accurate reporting. Learn about the effects of missed dialysis treatments and proper documentation for renal failure complications. This resource offers guidance for physicians, nurses, and medical coders on managing and documenting Missed Dialysis for optimal patient care and accurate reimbursement.

Also known as

Noncompliance with Dialysis
Dialysis Nonadherence

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Missing a scheduled hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis session.
  • Clinical Signs : Fluid overload, shortness of breath, swelling, electrolyte imbalances, fatigue, weakness.
  • Common Settings : Outpatient dialysis centers, home dialysis, hospitals (for complications).

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC Z91.159 Coding
Z99

Dependence on renal dialysis

Covers missed dialysis sessions due to patient reasons.

N18

Chronic kidney disease

May be used if missed dialysis worsens CKD.

Z76

Persons encountering health services

Can describe problems related to accessing or receiving dialysis.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the missed dialysis session documented?

  • Yes

    Is there a documented reason?

  • No

    Insufficient documentation to code missed dialysis

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Missed dialysis session
Fluid overload due to missed dialysis
Electrolyte imbalance due to missed dialysis

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Missed dialysis session documented
  • Reason for missed dialysis stated
  • Clinical impact of missed session noted
  • Patient communication/education recorded
  • Plan for future dialysis sessions specified

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Dialysis Type

    Coding lacks specificity (e.g., hemodialysis, peritoneal) impacting reimbursement and quality data.

  • Missed vs. Refused

    Distinguishing between patient refusal and missed appointment is crucial for accurate reporting and care planning.

  • Documentation Clarity

    Insufficient documentation of the reason for missed dialysis hinders accurate coding and clinical analysis.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document dialysis schedule & patient confirmation.
  • Track dialysis appointments with standardized codes.
  • Use CDI tools for accurate diagnosis capture.
  • Educate staff on dialysis coding compliance.
  • Automated appointment reminders & follow-up.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify last dialysis date documented in EHR
  • Confirm patient-reported last dialysis session
  • Check for documented reasons for missed dialysis
  • Review labs for elevated creatinine, BUN, potassium
  • Assess for dialysis-related complications (fluid overload)

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Missed Dialysis reimbursement impact: Reduced payment due to lack of supporting documentation for medically necessary reasons.
  • Coding accuracy impact: Miscoded or unspecified diagnoses can lead to claim denials and revenue loss.
  • Hospital reporting impact: Inaccurate data affects quality metrics and public reporting on dialysis adequacy.
  • Quality metrics impact: Negatively impacts key performance indicators related to patient outcomes and hospital performance.

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.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Document missed dialysis reason
  • Verify order frequency, document if held
  • Check documentation for skipped treatment
  • Query physician if reason unclear
  • Code Z91.15, confirm supporting dx

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with symptoms consistent with missed dialysis, including fatigue, fluid overload, shortness of breath, and electrolyte imbalance.  The patient reports missing their scheduled hemodialysis session on [date].  The missed dialysis treatment is confirmed by review of the patient's dialysis schedule and communication with the dialysis center.  Physical examination reveals [document specific findings, e.g., edema, elevated blood pressure, signs of uremia].  Laboratory results indicate [document specific lab abnormalities, e.g., elevated potassium, creatinine, BUN].  The patient's current clinical presentation is attributed to the missed dialysis treatment.  The plan is to resume hemodialysis as soon as possible and address electrolyte derangements.  Patient education provided regarding the importance of adherence to the prescribed dialysis schedule and potential complications of missed treatments, including fluid overload, electrolyte imbalance, and cardiovascular events.  The patient verbalized understanding of the risks associated with missing dialysis sessions.  Referral to nephrology for ongoing management of chronic kidney disease and dialysis needs.  Diagnosis: Missed dialysis (renal dialysis skipped, dialysis non-compliance, missed hemodialysis, missed peritoneal dialysis).  ICD-10 code: Z91.15 (Patient's intentional underdosing of medication regimen for other and unspecified reasons).  This code may not perfectly capture missed dialysis and clinical judgment should be used to determine the most appropriate code.
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