Acute Renal Failure ICD-10-CM Codes

What ICD-10 codes are used for acute renal failure?

Acute renal failure, also known as acute kidney injury, is a serious condition characterized by a sudden decline in kidney function. The ICD-10-CM codes used to classify this condition are essential for accurate medical billing and documentation. 

Below are seven commonly used codes for acute renal failure:

N17.0 - Acute kidney failure with tubular necrosis: This code is used when acute kidney failure is caused by tubular necrosis, often due to ischemia or nephrotoxic agents.

N17.1 - Acute kidney failure with acute cortical necrosis: This code is used when acute kidney failure is caused by acute cortical necrosis, typically from severe ischemia or vascular disorders.

N17.2 - Acute kidney failure with medullary necrosis: This code is used when acute kidney failure is caused by medullary necrosis, often resulting from sickle cell disease or ischemic injury.

N17.8 - Other acute kidney failure: This code covers cases of acute renal failure not falling into the previously mentioned categories.

N17.9 - Acute kidney failure, unspecified: This code is used when specific details about the cause of acute kidney failure are unavailable or not documented.

N99.0 - Postprocedural (acute) (chronic) kidney failure: This code is used when acute renal failure occurs as a complication of a medical procedure.

N27.0 - Small kidney, unilateral: This code is used when a patient has a congenitally small kidney on one side, which may predispose them to acute kidney failure.

Which acute renal failure ICD codes are billable?

The following ICD-10-CM codes are billable:

N17.0 - Yes, billable: Reimbursement is available for cases of acute kidney failure with tubular necrosis when documented appropriately.

N17.1 - Yes, billable: Cases of acute kidney failure with acute cortical necrosis are eligible for reimbursement upon accurate coding.

N17.2 - Yes, billable: Reimbursement is applicable for acute kidney failure cases with medullary necrosis, provided the documentation is precise.

N17.8 - Yes, billable: When supported by medical records, this code can be used to bill for other specific types of acute kidney failure.

N17.9 - Yes, billable: Acute kidney failure cases lacking detailed information can still be billed under this unspecified code.

N99.0 - Yes, billable: Acute renal failure arising as a postprocedural complication is eligible for reimbursement.

N27.0 - No, not billable: This code denotes a congenital condition and is not billable for acute kidney failure alone.

Clinical information

• Acute renal failure (ARF), also known as acute kidney injury (AKI), is a sudden and severe loss of kidney function.
• Common causes include severe dehydration, high blood pressure, very low blood pressure, improper use of blood pressure medicines, kidney infections, chronic kidney disease (it's called chronic kidney disease because it happens over time), chronic kidney failure, congenital renal failure, or end-stage renal disease, drug toxicity, and reduced blood flow to the kidneys.
• Symptoms may include decreased urine output, fluid retention, fatigue, chest pain, confusion, and electrolyte imbalances.
• Diagnosis is based on blood tests and urine tests to assess kidney function and identify the underlying cause by examining red blood cells, blood urea nitrogen, blood vessels, etc.
• Professionals will also assess the urinary tract for any signs of UTI or other problems that might have contributed to the acute renal failure.
• Kidney failure treatment addresses the underlying cause, supports kidney function, and manages complications.
• In severe cases, temporary dialysis may be necessary to assist kidney function until recovery occurs or even a kidney transplant.
• ARF requires close monitoring and prompt medical intervention to prevent further kidney damage.
• The prognosis of ARF varies depending on the cause, severity, and timeliness of treatment.
• Early recognition and management of risk factors can help prevent acute renal failure in some cases and can lower the risk of permanent kidney damage.

Synonyms include

• Acute kidney injury (AKI)
• Acute renal insufficiency
• Rapid kidney dysfunction
• Abrupt renal impairment
• Acute kidney damage
• Increased risk for acute kidney injury due to chronic kidney disease (CKD)

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