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N13.9
ICD-10-CM
Obstructive Uropathy

Find key clinical documentation and medical coding information for Obstructive Uropathy. This resource offers guidance on ICD-10 codes, SNOMED CT codes, diagnosis documentation, and common symptoms associated with Obstructive Uropathy for healthcare professionals. Learn about ureteral obstruction, kidney stone obstruction, hydronephrosis, and urinary tract obstruction related to this diagnosis. Improve your clinical documentation and medical coding accuracy for Obstructive Uropathy.

Also known as

Urinary Tract Obstruction
Obstructive Nephropathy

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Blockage of urine flow anywhere from kidney to urethra.
  • Clinical Signs : Flank pain, decreased urine output, nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension.
  • Common Settings : Kidney stones, tumors, enlarged prostate, strictures, congenital anomalies.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC N13.9 Coding
N13.0-N13.9

Obstructive uropathy NOS

Urinary obstruction, not otherwise specified.

N00-N99

Diseases of the genitourinary system

Encompasses various urinary system disorders, including obstructions.

R33

Retention of urine

Inability to completely empty the bladder, often a symptom of obstruction.

N11

Chronic tubulo-interstitial nephritis

Kidney inflammation that can be caused by or lead to obstructive uropathy.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the obstruction unilateral or bilateral?

  • Unilateral

    Is the cause intrinsic or extrinsic?

  • Bilateral

    Is the cause intrinsic or extrinsic?

  • Unspecified

    N13.9 Hydronephrosis, unspecified

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Obstructed urine flow
Hydronephrosis
Nephrolithiasis

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document laterality: left, right, or bilateral.
  • Specify obstruction location (e.g., ureter, UPJ).
  • Document cause of obstruction (e.g., stone, stricture).
  • Include imaging results supporting the diagnosis.
  • Document severity and impact on renal function.

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Laterality Miscoding

    Incorrect coding of laterality (right, left, bilateral) for obstructive uropathy can lead to inaccurate claims and denials.

  • Specificity Undercoding

    Lack of specific documentation of the cause or location (e.g., stone, stricture, UPJ obstruction) leads to less specific codes and lost revenue.

  • Hydronephrosis Coding

    Hydronephrosis associated with obstruction must be coded appropriately. Incorrect or missing hydronephrosis codes can impact severity and reimbursement.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document laterality, location, & degree of obstruction for accurate ICD-10 coding (N13.X).
  • Capture complete HPI with onset, duration, & characteristics of pain for proper CPT coding.
  • Query physician for clarity if documentation lacks specificity for compliant billing (E/M codes).
  • Ensure imaging reports correlate with clinical findings for appropriate medical necessity reviews.
  • Use standardized terminology for hydronephrosis grading to improve CDI & data integrity.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify imaging (US/CT) confirms obstruction
  • Check creatinine/eGFR for kidney function
  • Assess symptoms: pain, decreased urine output
  • Review UA for infection/hematuria
  • Consider urology consult if indicated

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Obstructive Uropathy reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10-CM (N13.X) and CPT coding for procedures like cystoscopy, stent placement, or nephrostomy.
  • Quality metrics impacted: Hospital-Acquired Condition (HAC) rate if infection develops, Patient Safety Indicator (PSI) for post-op complications.
  • Coding accuracy crucial for appropriate DRG assignment impacting MS-DRG reimbursement. Avoid denials by clearly documenting obstruction cause.
  • Timely diagnosis and treatment of Obstructive Uropathy reduce length of stay, impacting hospital Value Based Purchasing scores.

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
  • Code laterality: unilateral/bilateral
  • Hydronephrosis? Link to obstruction
  • Specify obstruction location
  • Document cause: stone, stricture, mass
  • Check N13.x for stage of CKD

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with symptoms suggestive of obstructive uropathy.  Chief complaints include flank pain, decreased urine output, and urinary hesitancy.  Patient reports a history of [insert relevant past medical history such as nephrolithiasis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, or pelvic malignancy].  Physical examination reveals [insert relevant physical exam findings such as costovertebral angle tenderness, palpable bladder distension, or suprapubic tenderness].  Differential diagnosis includes ureteral obstruction, bladder outlet obstruction, and intrinsic kidney disease.  Initial laboratory studies include urinalysis, complete blood count, basic metabolic panel, and serum creatinine.  Imaging studies such as renal ultrasound, CT urogram, or IV pyelogram are planned to assess the level and cause of obstruction.  Assessment:  Obstructive uropathy, likely secondary to [insert suspected cause based on history and initial findings].  Plan:  Initial management includes pain control with analgesics and hydration.  Urology consultation is requested for further evaluation and management.  Treatment options may include ureteral stenting, nephrostomy tube placement, or other procedures to relieve the obstruction depending on the etiology and severity.  Patient education provided regarding the condition, treatment options, and potential complications.  Follow-up scheduled to monitor renal function and symptom resolution.  ICD-10 code:  [Insert appropriate ICD-10 code such as N13.9, N13.0, N13.1, or other relevant codes depending on the specific cause of the obstruction].  CPT codes for procedures will be documented upon completion.
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