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N20.1
ICD-10-CM
Ureteric Calculus

Find comprehensive information on Ureteric Calculus, including clinical documentation, medical coding, ICD-10 codes N20-N23, SNOMED CT concepts, and ureteral stone diagnosis. Learn about symptoms, treatment options, and best practices for healthcare professionals dealing with kidney stones, ureteral obstruction, and renal colic. This resource provides valuable insights for accurate diagnosis coding and efficient clinical documentation of Ureteric Calculus cases.

Also known as

Ureteral Stone
Ureterolithiasis

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : A stone formed in the ureter, blocking urine flow from kidney to bladder.
  • Clinical Signs : Severe flank pain, radiating to groin; nausea, vomiting; blood in urine.
  • Common Settings : Emergency room, urology clinic, lithotripsy center.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC N20.1 Coding
N20-N23

Calculus of urinary system

Covers stones in the kidney, ureter, bladder, and urethra.

N10-N16

Tubulo-interstitial diseases

Includes conditions affecting kidney tubules, sometimes related to stones.

R30-R39

Other symptoms and signs involving the urinary system

May include symptoms like pain or hematuria associated with ureteric stones.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the ureteric calculus obstructing?

  • Yes

    Right side?

  • No

    Right side?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Ureteric Calculus
Kidney Stone
Renal Colic

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Ureteric calculus diagnosis: Document laterality (left/right/bilateral).
  • Calculus size and location (e.g., distal, proximal ureter) required.
  • Document pain characteristics: onset, type, radiation, severity.
  • Hydronephrosis presence/absence must be documented if assessed.
  • Document associated symptoms: nausea, vomiting, hematuria.

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Laterality Documentation

    Missing or unclear documentation of impacted ureter (right, left, bilateral) leads to coding errors and claim denials.

  • Calculus Size Specificity

    Lack of precise calculus size documentation impacts accurate code selection and potential medical necessity reviews.

  • Obstruction Coding Accuracy

    Incorrectly coding ureteral obstruction (with/without hydronephrosis) based on imaging findings can lead to inaccurate reimbursement.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document stone location, size for accurate ICD-10 coding (N20-N23).
  • Capture pain characteristics, hydronephrosis for CDI, justify severity.
  • Ensure medical necessity for imaging, interventions per payer guidelines.
  • Consistent terminology for stone type (calcium, struvite) improves data analysis.
  • Timely follow-up documentation for compliance, monitor treatment effectiveness.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify laterality (left/right ureter)
  • Confirm imaging evidence of calculus
  • Document stone size and location
  • Assess hydronephrosis if present
  • Review UA for hematuria

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Ureteric Calculus Reimbursement: Diagnosis coding accuracy impacts payer reimbursements. Correct ICD-10 (N20-N23) crucial for maximizing revenue.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: Ureteric Calculus treatment length of stay (LOS) affects hospital quality reporting and value-based purchasing programs.
  • Coding Accuracy: Precise documentation of stone size, location, and treatment (lithotripsy, ureteroscopy) ensures accurate coding and billing.
  • Hospital Reporting: Accurate Ureteric Calculus data impacts hospital quality dashboards, surgical outcomes reporting, and resource utilization.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions and Answers

Q: What are the most effective evidence-based strategies for managing acute ureteric colic pain in the emergency department setting?

A: Managing acute ureteric colic pain effectively requires a multimodal approach. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ketorolac are often first-line for pain control, with opioids like morphine considered if NSAIDs are contraindicated or insufficient. Intravenous fluids can also help with hydration and pain management. Consider implementing a pain management protocol that includes regular pain assessments and escalating therapies based on patient response. Explore how point-of-care ultrasound can be used to confirm the diagnosis and assess hydronephrosis. Learn more about risk stratification tools for predicting the likelihood of spontaneous stone passage to guide management decisions.

Q: How can I differentiate between ureteric calculus and other causes of flank pain using imaging and laboratory studies, considering the differential diagnosis in a pregnant patient?

A: Differentiating ureteric calculus from other causes of flank pain requires careful consideration of the clinical picture, imaging, and laboratory findings. Urinalysis is essential, looking for hematuria and infection. Non-contrast CT is the gold standard imaging modality for diagnosing ureteric calculi, but in pregnant patients, ultrasound is preferred as the initial imaging study due to radiation concerns. Consider the differential diagnosis, which can include pyelonephritis, appendicitis, ovarian torsion, and musculoskeletal pain. Explore how magnetic resonance urography (MRU) can be used as a radiation-free alternative for pregnant patients when ultrasound is inconclusive. Learn more about the specific considerations for managing ureteric calculi in pregnancy, including the physiological changes that affect renal function and the safety of various treatment options.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code laterality: left, right, bilateral
  • Document stone size, location, type
  • Check for obstruction, hydronephrosis
  • Confirm diagnosis via imaging report
  • N200 for calculus of ureter

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints consistent with ureteral colic, including acute onset of severe flank pain radiating to the groin, hematuria, and nausea.  Symptoms began approximately [duration] ago and are described as [character of pain: sharp, dull, stabbing, cramping].  Pain severity is reported as [pain scale rating].  Associated symptoms may include urinary urgency, frequency, and dysuria.  Patient denies fever, chills, or vomiting.  Past medical history includes [relevant medical history e.g., hypertension, diabetes, previous kidney stones].  Medications include [list medications].  Physical exam reveals [relevant findings e.g., costovertebral angle tenderness, no abdominal distension].  Urinalysis demonstrates [results e.g., microscopic hematuria, pyuria].  Preliminary diagnosis of ureteric calculus is suspected.  Differential diagnoses include pyelonephritis, appendicitis, ovarian cyst, and other causes of abdominal pain.  Ordered non-contrast CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis to confirm the presence, size, and location of the stone.  Patient treated with IV fluids for hydration and pain management with [analgesic medication].  Treatment plan includes monitoring for stone passage, potential urology consult for further management if the stone does not pass spontaneously, and patient education on dietary modifications to prevent future stone formation.  Follow-up scheduled in [duration]. Keywords: kidney stone, ureteral stone, renal colic, flank pain, hematuria, urinary tract infection, urolithiasis, nephrolithiasis, CT scan, medical coding, medical billing, ICD-10, CPT code, EHR documentation, clinical notes, urology.
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