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G93.41
ICD-10-CM
Uremic Encephalopathy

Find key clinical documentation and medical coding information for Uremic Encephalopathy. This resource covers diagnosis, treatment, ICD-10 codes (G93.4), SNOMED CT concepts, and differential diagnosis considerations for healthcare professionals. Learn about the symptoms, causes, and management of Uremic Encephalopathy to improve your clinical documentation and ensure accurate medical coding.

Also known as

Metabolic Encephalopathy due to Uremia
Renal Encephalopathy

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Brain dysfunction due to buildup of toxins from kidney failure.
  • Clinical Signs : Confusion, drowsiness, seizures, coma, tremors, asterixis.
  • Common Settings : End-stage renal disease, acute kidney injury, dialysis units.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC G93.41 Coding
N18.4

Chronic kidney disease

Specified as with uremic encephalopathy.

G93.4-

Other encephalopathy

May include toxic encephalopathies like uremic.

N00-N99

Diseases of the genitourinary system

Encompasses kidney diseases leading to uremia.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the encephalopathy due to acute or chronic kidney disease?

  • Acute kidney injury

    Is there documented brain dysfunction?

  • Chronic kidney disease

    Is there documented brain dysfunction?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Uremic Encephalopathy
Hepatic Encephalopathy
Metabolic Encephalopathy

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document elevated BUN and creatinine levels.
  • Neurological exam findings (e.g., asterixis, confusion).
  • Exclude other encephalopathy causes (e.g., infection, drugs).
  • Correlation between renal failure and mental status changes.
  • Response to dialysis (improvement in neurological symptoms).

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Uremia Code

    Coding uremic encephalopathy with unspecified uremia codes (N18.9) when more specific documentation supports G93.4. Impacts DRG and quality reporting.

  • Lack of Supporting Documentation

    Insufficient documentation of neurological symptoms linked to uremia can lead to coding errors and denials. CDI can improve documentation accuracy.

  • Comorbidity Coding Gaps

    Missed coding of relevant comorbidities like hypertension (I10) or CKD (N18) with uremic encephalopathy. Impacts risk adjustment and reimbursement.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Monitor BUN, creatinine for early CKD detection ICD-10-CM N18.9
  • Dialysis initiation/optimization for uremia control SNOMED CT 73329002
  • Strict medication reconciliation to prevent nephrotoxins ICD-10-CM T36.9X5A
  • Document neuro exam findings, mental status changes SNOMED CT 373783006
  • Timely electrolyte management, especially potassium ICD-10-CM E87.6

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Elevated BUN & Creatinine: Verify AKI or CKD diagnosis.
  • 2. Neurologic symptoms: Document altered mental status, seizures, etc.
  • 3. Exclude other causes: Rule out CNS infections, drug toxicity.
  • 4. Dialysis indicated: Assess for urgent dialysis needs based on symptoms.

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Uremic Encephalopathy reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10-CM coding (N18.4) and supporting documentation of severity and acuity for optimal DRG assignment.
  • Coding quality directly impacts MS-DRG assignment and case-mix index, influencing hospital reimbursement for Uremic Encephalopathy cases.
  • Timely diagnosis and treatment documentation improve quality metrics related to AKI management and reduce hospital length of stay for Uremic Encephalopathy.
  • Accurate coding and documentation are crucial for reporting quality measures related to complications of chronic kidney disease, impacting hospital 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 G93.4 for uremic encephalopathy
  • Document specific neurologic deficits
  • Link to CKD stage and lab data
  • Consider N18.5 if acute kidney injury
  • Query physician if documentation unclear

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with signs and symptoms consistent with uremic encephalopathy, a neurological complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute kidney injury (AKI).  Clinical manifestations include altered mental status, ranging from mild confusion and disorientation to delirium and coma.  The patient exhibits [Specify level of consciousness e.g., lethargy, somnolence, obtundation].  Neurological examination reveals [Document specific findings e.g., asterixis, myoclonus, tremors].  Cognitive impairment is evident, with deficits in attention, memory, and executive function.  Laboratory results indicate elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels, confirming renal dysfunction.  The patient's glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is significantly reduced, indicative of advanced CKD stage [Specify stage if known].  Treatment focuses on managing the underlying renal failure through dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis).  Further management includes electrolyte correction and blood pressure control.  Differential diagnosis includes other metabolic encephalopathies, such as hepatic encephalopathy and hypernatremia.  Patient education regarding medication adherence, dietary restrictions, and dialysis compliance is crucial.  ICD-10 code N19 for CKD and G93.4 for uremic encephalopathy are considered for coding and billing purposes. Prognosis depends on the response to dialysis and the management of underlying renal disease.  Continued monitoring of neurological status and renal function is essential.