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Q60.0
ICD-10-CM
Solitary Kidney

Understanding Solitary Kidney diagnosis, clinical documentation, and medical coding? Find information on unilateral renal agenesis, congenital solitary kidney, acquired solitary kidney, nephrectomy coding, ICD-10 codes for solitary kidney, SNOMED CT codes, medical necessity documentation, and evaluation of solitary kidney function. Learn about relevant healthcare guidelines and best practices for accurate clinical documentation and coding for optimal reimbursement.

Also known as

Single Kidney
Unilateral Renal Agenesis
Congenital Solitary Kidney

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Born with only one kidney or had one surgically removed.
  • Clinical Signs : Often asymptomatic. May have high blood pressure or reduced kidney function.
  • Common Settings : Primary care, nephrology, urology clinics for monitoring and management.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC Q60.0 Coding
Q60-Q64

Congenital malformations of the urinary system

Covers congenital absence or agenesis of one kidney.

N00-N99

Diseases of the genitourinary system

Includes conditions affecting kidney structure and function, potentially relevant.

Z90-Z99

Factors influencing health status and contact with health services

May include acquired absence of kidney due to surgery or trauma.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the solitary kidney congenital?

  • Yes

    Any complications?

  • No

    Kidney surgically removed?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Solitary kidney
Renal agenesis
Kidney transplant status

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Solitary kidney diagnosis documented
  • Confirm with imaging: renal agenesis vs. prior nephrectomy
  • Document cause if known (e.g., congenital, surgical)
  • Assess and document kidney function (e.g., GFR)
  • Specify laterality (right or left)

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Code Z90.82 for acquired single kidney, ICD-10-CM.
  • Document cause of solitary kidney (nephrectomy, agenesis).
  • Query physician for clarity if documentation is unclear.
  • Use SNOMED CT for precise clinical terminology in EHR.
  • Regular GFR, creatinine monitoring vital for compliance.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Review imaging (US/CT/MRI) for single kidney presence.
  • Confirm solitary kidney in patient history/prior records.
  • Document cause of solitary kidney (agenesis/nephrectomy/donation).
  • Check eGFR for renal function assessment and documentation.

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Solitary Kidney reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10 coding (Q60-Q63) and procedure coding for associated conditions impacting payment and denial rates.
  • Coding quality directly impacts Case Mix Index (CMI) for Solitary Kidney cases, influencing hospital reimbursement and resource allocation.
  • Accurate present on admission (POA) reporting for Solitary Kidney complications affects hospital quality metrics and potential penalties.
  • Timely and specific documentation of Solitary Kidney diagnoses and related procedures is crucial for optimizing revenue cycle management and accurate reporting.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions and Answers

Q: What are the most effective strategies for managing hypertension in a patient with a solitary kidney to minimize the risk of chronic kidney disease progression?

A: Managing hypertension in a solitary kidney patient is crucial for preserving kidney function and preventing chronic kidney disease progression. Aggressive blood pressure control is often necessary, typically aiming for a target below 130/80 mmHg or even lower as per KDIGO guidelines. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are frequently the first-line agents due to their renoprotective effects, particularly in patients with proteinuria. However, careful monitoring of serum creatinine and potassium levels is essential, especially when initiating these medications. Other antihypertensive classes like calcium channel blockers and thiazide diuretics can also be utilized. Lifestyle modifications such as sodium restriction, weight management, and regular exercise are important adjuncts to pharmacotherapy. Explore how a multidisciplinary approach involving nephrology, primary care, and dietary counseling can enhance hypertension management and improve patient outcomes. Consider implementing regular monitoring of GFR and albuminuria to detect early signs of CKD progression.

Q: How can clinicians differentiate between acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease in patients presenting with a solitary kidney and decreased kidney function?

A: Differentiating between acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in a solitary kidney patient requires a thorough evaluation of the clinical presentation, laboratory data, and imaging findings. AKI is typically characterized by a rapid decline in kidney function (over hours or days), often accompanied by oliguria or anuria. Causes can include dehydration, nephrotoxic medications, or obstruction. CKD, on the other hand, is defined by a gradual decline in kidney function over months or years, often with evidence of structural kidney damage on imaging, such as reduced kidney size or cortical thinning. In a solitary kidney patient, a detailed history, including prior kidney function measurements, medication lists, and any history of kidney disease, is crucial. Serum creatinine and eGFR are key laboratory markers, but a sudden rise in creatinine in a previously stable patient suggests AKI. Ultrasound or CT imaging can help assess kidney size, structure, and exclude obstruction. Learn more about the specific diagnostic criteria for AKI and CKD and how to tailor management strategies based on the underlying cause of decreased kidney function in a solitary kidney patient.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code N99.1 for acquired
  • Code Q60.0-Q60.4 congenital
  • Document cause, if known
  • Laterality not coded in ICD-10
  • Consider Z90.8 for transplant

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with a solitary kidney, confirmed by renal imaging (renal ultrasound, CT abdomen).  This condition, also known as unilateral renal agenesis or single kidney, is characterized by the congenital absence or surgical removal of one kidney.  The remaining kidney typically undergoes compensatory hypertrophy to maintain adequate renal function.  Patient history includes [mention relevant medical history, e.g., hypertension, recurrent urinary tract infections, nephrolithiasis, family history of renal disease].  Physical examination reveals [mention relevant findings, e.g., normal blood pressure, no costovertebral angle tenderness].  Laboratory results show [mention relevant values, e.g., serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urinalysis findings].  Current assessment indicates [mention clinical status, e.g., normal renal function, chronic kidney disease stage [stage if applicable], end-stage renal disease].  Differential diagnoses considered included renal agenesis, renal dysplasia, and prior nephrectomy.  Plan of care includes regular monitoring of renal function with serum creatinine and eGFR, blood pressure management as needed, patient education regarding renal health maintenance, and genetic counseling if congenital renal agenesis is suspected.  ICD-10 code Q60.0 (Congenital absence of one kidney) or Q60.1 (Congenital absence of both kidneys with other congenital malformations) or Z90.81 (Acquired absence of one kidney) may be applicable depending on the etiology.  Follow-up scheduled in [timeframe] to assess renal function and overall health status.