Urology Coding Alert
Only Include N13.2 When Calculus Obstruction Is Present
Question: A patient was diagnosed with a renal stone and hydronephrosis. Can we code N20.0 for the renal stone and N13.2 for the hydronephrosis with renal calculus, or should we just use N13.2 to cover both diagnoses?
Arizona Subscriber
Answer: Submit only ICD-10 diagnosis N13.2 (Hydronephrosis with renal and ureteral calculous obstruction) for this clinical scenario. Remember per ICD-10 manual conventions “the word “and” should be interpreted to mean either “and” or “or” when it appears in a title.” Therefore, N13.2 can be used for either a renal or a ureteral calculous obstruction alone as well as for both a renal and a ureteral calculous together causing the obstruction and hydronephrosis. For further information see the 2015 ICD-10 Manual, Section 1.A.14. Use of the term “And.”
Related Articles
Urology Coding Alert
- ICD-10 Update:
Prepare Now for What Diagnosis Changes Might Be Coming in October
Start by exploring catheter, genitourinary hemorrhage, and diagnostic imaging updates. October will bring the first [...] - Coding Basics:
Be Confident In Distinguishing Modifier 57 from 25
The timing plays an important part. Adding modifiers to your claims can be a simple [...] - Clip 'n Save:
Let These Lists Keep Your 25 and 57 Claims Straight
Check these points to choose correctly. It’s not unusual for coders – or providers – [...] - Reader Question:
Diagnosis D49.4 Can Represent a Bladder Lesion
Question: A patient had a cystoscopy during the post-operative global period of a laser enucleation of [...] - Reader Question:
Submit Multiple Codes for Complicated PCNL
Question: The surgeon did a cystoscopy and retrograde pyelogram to aid in renal access, a percutaneous [...] - Reader Question:
Steer Clear of 'Open' Codes for Laparoscopic Procedures
Question: Our coders are under the impression that we cannot use “open” surgery codes for robotic [...] - Reader Question:
Yes, Partial and Radical Nephrectomies Might Be Billable Together
Question: I’m coding for a case where a robotic partial nephrectomy was converted to a radical [...] - Reader Question:
Turn to N31.8 for Neurogenic Bladder Diagnosis
Question: The urologist performed an open suprapubic tube placement and an open retropubic bladder neck closure. [...] - Reader Question:
Only Include N13.2 When Calculus Obstruction Is Present
Question: A patient was diagnosed with a renal stone and hydronephrosis. Can we code N20.0 for [...] - Reader Question:
Remember Modifier 51 When Reporting 50220 With 50380
Question: Our surgeon performed a total nephrectomy and then a reimplantation of the same kidney, a [...] - Reader Question:
Here's Your Primer for Avoiding 'Incorrect Modifier' Denials
Question: Due to staff reduction, I have been recruited into doing some coding. I’ve been able [...] - You Be the Coder:
Coding for Laparoscopic Cystotomy Repair
Question: I’m coding for the robotic assisted removal of a vaginal mesh and closure of an [...]
