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N19
ICD-10-CM
Uremia

Understanding uremia? Find key clinical documentation and medical coding insights for accurate diagnosis. Learn about uremia symptoms, causes, treatment, ICD-10 codes (N72.0, R79.0), BUN, creatinine levels, and dialysis information for healthcare professionals. Explore resources for improved patient care and optimized medical coding related to acute and chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease impacting uremia diagnosis.

Also known as

Uremic syndrome
Renal failure syndrome

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : A buildup of waste products in the blood due to kidney failure.
  • Clinical Signs : Fatigue, nausea, vomiting, swelling, confusion, decreased urine output.
  • Common Settings : Emergency Room, Dialysis Centers, Nephrology Clinics

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC N19 Coding
N18-N19

Chronic kidney disease

Uremia is a serious complication of chronic kidney disease.

N17

Acute kidney failure

Acute kidney failure can also lead to uremia.

R39.2

Extrarenal uremia

This code specifies uremia originating outside the kidneys.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the uremia due to chronic kidney disease (CKD)?

  • Yes

    CKD stage 1-5?

  • No

    Is the uremia due to acute kidney injury (AKI)?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Uremia: Urea buildup in blood
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Uremia diagnosis documentation: BUN, creatinine levels
  • Document specific uremia signs/symptoms (e.g., fatigue, nausea)
  • Underlying cause of uremia (e.g., CKD stage)
  • Treatment plan for uremia management
  • Patient education provided on uremia

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Uremia Coding

    Coding uremia without specifying acute or chronic kidney disease stage impacts reimbursement and quality reporting.

  • Uremia with CKD Documentation

    Insufficient documentation linking uremia to CKD stage can lead to coding errors and denials for medical necessity.

  • Uremic Complications Coding

    Failure to capture and code uremic complications like encephalopathy or pericarditis understates severity and resource use.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • ICD-10-CM N18.9, CKD stage 5, documentation must specify uremia
  • CPT coding for dialysis: 90935-90940, ensure proper laterality
  • Regular BUN, creatinine monitoring, document trends for accurate staging
  • Dietary protein restriction, compliant with KDOQI guidelines
  • Medication reconciliation for nephrotoxic drugs, document stop/start dates

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Elevated BUN: Check lab values, document units
  • Creatinine increase: Verify, note GFR if available
  • Document symptoms: Fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite
  • Consider other causes: Evaluate for AKI or CKD
  • Patient education: Dietary restrictions, dialysis

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Uremia reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10-CM coding (N18.9, N19) and supporting documentation for optimal payer reimbursement.
  • Uremia quality metrics track complications like hypertension, anemia, and mineral bone disorders impacting hospital value-based purchasing.
  • Coding specificity for uremia stage and etiology (e.g., acute kidney injury, CKD) influences case-mix index and resource allocation.
  • Timely diagnosis and treatment of uremia documented clearly affect hospital readmission rates and quality performance scores.

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 N189 for unspecified uremia
  • Document BUN, creatinine levels
  • Specify acute or chronic
  • Consider underlying kidney disease
  • Query physician if unclear

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with signs and symptoms consistent with uremia, a clinical manifestation of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD).  The patient reports fatigue, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and pruritus.  Physical examination reveals altered mental status, pericardial friction rub, and asterixis.  Laboratory findings indicate elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and potassium levels.  Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is significantly reduced, confirming impaired renal function.  Diagnosis of uremia is based on the constellation of clinical findings, laboratory results, and decreased GFR.  Differential diagnoses considered include acute kidney injury (AKI), dehydration, and heart failure.  Treatment plan includes initiation of renal replacement therapy (RRT), such as hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, to manage fluid and electrolyte imbalances and remove uremic toxins.  Dietary modifications with protein restriction and potassium control are advised.  Patient education regarding medication adherence, dialysis access care, and potential complications of uremia is provided.  Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor renal function, electrolyte levels, and overall clinical status.  ICD-10 code N18.9, Chronic kidney disease, unspecified, is documented for medical billing and coding purposes.  The patient's prognosis is dependent on the initiation and effectiveness of RRT and management of underlying CKD.
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