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N28.1
ICD-10-CM
Renal Cyst

Find comprehensive information on Renal Cyst diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding, ICD-10 codes, SNOMED CT codes, differential diagnosis, and treatment options. Learn about simple renal cysts, complex renal cysts, and the Bosniak classification system for renal cyst characterization. This resource provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals, medical coders, and individuals seeking to understand renal cyst diagnosis and management. Explore relevant information on renal ultrasound, CT scan findings, and best practices for accurate renal cyst documentation and coding.

Also known as

Kidney Cyst
Simple Renal Cyst
Acquired Renal Cyst

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Fluid-filled sacs in the kidney, usually benign.
  • Clinical Signs : Often asymptomatic. May cause flank pain, hematuria, or infection.
  • Common Settings : Detected incidentally on imaging (ultrasound, CT) during abdominal evaluations.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC N28.1 Coding
N28.1

Acquired renal cyst

Simple or other acquired cyst of kidney.

Q61

Cystic kidney disease

Congenital cystic kidney disorders.

N28.89

Other specified disorders of kidney

Includes other specified renal conditions.

D49.4

Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of kidney

May include complex renal cysts requiring further evaluation.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Acquired or congenital/hereditary?

  • Acquired

    Simple cyst?

  • Congenital/Hereditary

    Polycystic kidney disease?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Fluid-filled kidney sac, usually benign.
Complex renal cyst with internal echoes.
Inherited disorder with multiple kidney cysts.

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Renal cyst size, location, and complexity documented.
  • Symptoms or lack thereof clearly noted.
  • Imaging modality (US, CT, MRI) specified.
  • Differential diagnoses considered and ruled out.
  • ICD-10 code N28.1 documented for simple cyst.

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Cyst Type

    Coding renal cyst without specifying type (simple vs. complex) can lead to inaccurate DRG assignment and reimbursement.

  • Unconfirmed Diagnosis

    Coding renal cyst based on imaging without definitive diagnosis confirmation may lead to overcoding and compliance issues. Clinical validation is crucial.

  • Missing Laterality

    Failing to document laterality (right, left, bilateral) for renal cyst impacts coding specificity and data analysis for population health.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Accurate ICD-10 coding (N28.1) for renal cyst.
  • Detailed documentation of cyst size, location, complexity.
  • Regular monitoring if simple cyst, follow ACR guidelines.
  • Correlate imaging with symptoms for CDI of complex cysts.
  • Ensure compliant billing based on diagnostic certainty.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm patient symptoms flank pain hematuria hypertension
  • Review imaging studies US CT MRI for cyst characteristics
  • Evaluate cyst size location complexity for Bosniak classification
  • Assess family history genetic predisposition for inherited disorders
  • Document diagnosis based on imaging findings clinical presentation

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Renal Cyst reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10 N28.1 coding for proper claims processing and maximum payment.
  • Coding quality directly impacts Renal Cyst diagnosis related group (DRG) assignment and hospital case mix index (CMI).
  • Precise documentation of cyst size and complexity (simple vs. complex) influences E/M coding and reimbursement levels.
  • Renal Cyst reporting accuracy affects hospital quality metrics related to patient safety, complication rates, and resource utilization.

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 N28.1 for simple renal cyst
  • Document cyst size and location
  • Rule out complex cysts with imaging
  • Consider laterality codes for multiple cysts
  • For acquired cysts, code underlying cause if known

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints possibly indicative of a renal cyst.  These complaints may include flank pain, hematuria, or hypertension, although many renal cysts are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during abdominal imaging for other indications.  Physical examination may be unremarkable or reveal tenderness in the flank or costovertebral angle.  Differential diagnosis includes renal cell carcinoma, renal abscess, and other renal masses.  Diagnostic workup includes abdominal ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan with or without contrast, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to characterize the cyst and differentiate it from other renal lesions.  Bosniak classification of the renal cyst was performed based on imaging characteristics to assess complexity and malignancy risk.  Laboratory tests such as urinalysis, complete blood count (CBC), and basic metabolic panel (BMP) may be obtained to assess renal function and rule out infection.  Management of simple renal cysts is typically conservative, involving observation and monitoring.  For complex cysts or those causing symptoms, options include percutaneous aspiration, sclerotherapy, or surgical intervention such as laparoscopic or robotic cyst decortication or excision.  Patient education regarding the nature of renal cysts, potential complications such as infection or rupture, and follow-up recommendations was provided.  ICD-10 code N61.9 (renal cyst unspecified) or more specific codes based on laterality and complexity may be applicable.  CPT codes for diagnostic imaging, aspiration, or surgical procedures will be determined based on the specific intervention performed.  Continued monitoring and follow-up are recommended based on cyst characteristics and patient symptoms.