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N18.30
ICD-10-CM
Stage 3 Kidney Disease

Understanding Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment? Find information on GFR levels, creatinine clearance, and related ICD-10 codes (N18.3, N18.30, N18.31, N18.32, N18.39) for accurate clinical documentation and medical billing. Learn about renal diet, hypertension management, and CKD stage 3 prognosis. Explore resources for healthcare professionals, including medical coding guidelines and best practices for patient care in stage 3 kidney failure.

Also known as

Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3
CKD Stage 3

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Moderately reduced kidney function (eGFR 30-59 mL/min/1.73 m2).
  • Clinical Signs : Often asymptomatic. Possible fatigue, swelling, changes in urination.
  • Common Settings : Primary care, nephrology clinics, diagnostic labs.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC N18.30 Coding
N71.1

Chronic kidney disease, stage 3

Mild to moderate decrease in kidney function.

N71.2

Chronic kidney disease, stage 4

Moderate to severe decrease in kidney function.

N71.3

Chronic kidney disease, stage 5

Severe decrease in kidney function, nearing kidney failure.

I12.0

Hypertensive chronic kidney disease with stage 1 through stage 4 chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease stages 1-4 caused by high blood pressure.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the documented diagnosis Stage 3 CKD?

  • Yes

    Is cause documented?

  • No

    Do not code as Stage 3 CKD. Review documentation for correct diagnosis.

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease
Stage 2 Chronic Kidney Disease
Acute Kidney Injury

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • GFR 30-59 mL/min/1.73 m2 documented
  • Albuminuria documented (e.g., ACR, urine protein)
  • Cause of CKD documented (if known)
  • Comorbidities documented (e.g., diabetes, hypertension)
  • CKD stage 3 specific symptoms documented

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified CKD Stage 3

    Coding CKD Stage 3 without specifying 3a or 3b leads to inaccurate severity reflection and reimbursement issues. CDI can clarify.

  • Comorbidity Documentation

    Insufficient documentation of coexisting conditions like hypertension or diabetes with CKD Stage 3 impacts risk adjustment and coding accuracy.

  • Conflicting GFR/Albuminuria

    Discrepancies between GFR and albuminuria stages for CKD Stage 3 coding pose audit risks. CDI should query for clarification.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • ICD-10-CM N18.3 coding: Ensure accurate CKD stage documentation.
  • CDI: Query unclear CKD documentation for precise staging, optimize HCC coding.
  • Compliance: Adhere to Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) guidelines.
  • Control hypertension, diabetes: Optimize medication reconciliation for CKD management.
  • Monitor GFR, albuminuria regularly: Document trends for appropriate interventions.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify eGFR 30-59 mL/min/1.73 m2
  • Confirm persistent albuminuria
  • Document CKD stage 3 diagnosis code (N183)
  • Review medications for renal adjustments
  • Educate patient on CKD management

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Stage 3 Kidney Disease Reimbursement: ICD-10-CM N18.3 impacts MS-DRG assignment and payment.
  • Coding Accuracy: Precise CKD stage documentation crucial for correct N18.3 code, avoiding claim denials.
  • Hospital Reporting: N18.3 data affects quality metrics like readmission rates and cost per case.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: Accurate coding and optimized reimbursement improve CKD patient outcomes.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions and Answers

Q: What are the most effective Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease treatment strategies to slow progression and minimize cardiovascular risk in adult patients?

A: Effective Stage 3 CKD management requires a multi-pronged approach focusing on both renal and cardiovascular protection. Key strategies include aggressive blood pressure control targeting <130/80 mmHg, often using RAAS inhibitors (ACE inhibitors or ARBs) as first-line therapy. Strict glycemic control in patients with diabetes is crucial, alongside lifestyle modifications like dietary sodium restriction (<2g/day) and a DASH-style diet. Managing dyslipidemia with statins to achieve target LDL cholesterol levels is also essential for minimizing cardiovascular risk. Explore how optimizing these factors can improve patient outcomes in Stage 3 CKD. Consider implementing regular monitoring of kidney function (eGFR, urine albumin-creatinine ratio) and cardiovascular biomarkers to track treatment effectiveness.

Q: How do I differentiate between Stage 3A and Stage 3B Chronic Kidney Disease using eGFR and albuminuria, and what are the specific management implications?

A: Differentiating between Stage 3A and 3B CKD relies on both estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria. Stage 3A is defined by an eGFR between 45 and 59 ml/min/1.73m2, while Stage 3B encompasses an eGFR between 30 and 44 ml/min/1.73m2, regardless of albuminuria. While both stages share core management principles, including blood pressure control and lifestyle modifications, the increased risk of progression in Stage 3B necessitates closer monitoring and earlier referral to nephrology. Learn more about the specific recommendations for evaluating and managing albuminuria in each stage, as this can influence the choice of renoprotective therapies. Consider implementing a structured approach to patient education regarding disease progression and potential complications based on their specific Stage 3 CKD classification.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code N18.3 CKD stage 3
  • Document GFR 30-59
  • Specify cause of CKD
  • Check for proteinuria coding
  • Add comorbidities like HTN

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), confirmed by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between 30 and 59 mLmin1.73 m2 andor persistent albuminuria.  Patient exhibits signs and symptoms consistent with moderate renal insufficiency, including but not limited to fatigue, swelling in the extremities, changes in urination frequency or volume, and elevated blood pressure.  Relevant laboratory findings include decreased eGFR, proteinuria, and potential electrolyte imbalances such as hyperphosphatemia, hyperkalemia, and metabolic acidosis.  Diagnostic testing included serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urinalysis, and a comprehensive metabolic panel.  Differential diagnoses considered included acute kidney injury (AKI), nephrotic syndrome, and other causes of proteinuria.  Treatment plan focuses on managing comorbidities like hypertension and diabetes, slowing CKD progression through renoprotective therapies such as ACE inhibitors or ARBs, and addressing complications like anemia and mineral bone disorder.  Patient education provided on dietary modifications, including protein restriction and potassium management, fluid intake guidelines, and medication adherence.  Referral to nephrology for ongoing monitoring and management is warranted.  Follow-up scheduled in [Timeframe] to reassess renal function, monitor disease progression, and adjust treatment as needed.  ICD-10 code N18.3 is applied for Chronic kidney disease, stage 3.
Stage 3 Kidney Disease - AI-Powered ICD-10 Documentation