2025 ICD-10-CM code N27.1
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Diseases of the genitourinary system - Other disorders of kidney and ureter N00-N99 Feed
Small kidney, bilateral.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of bilaterally small kidneys, as confirmed by imaging studies. Further investigation to determine the underlying cause may also be medically necessary.
In simple words: Both kidneys are smaller than normal, and the reason is unknown.
Small kidney, bilateral. This code indicates the presence of bilaterally small kidneys of unknown cause.
Example 1: A patient presents with chronic kidney disease and imaging reveals that both kidneys are smaller than expected for the patient's age and size. The cause of the reduced kidney size is undetermined., During a routine abdominal ultrasound, a patient is found to have bilaterally small kidneys. Subsequent laboratory tests and clinical evaluation do not reveal an underlying cause for the small kidney size., A patient with hypertension undergoes renal imaging which demonstrates small kidneys on both sides. After further investigation, no identifiable cause for the bilateral small kidneys is found.
Documentation should include imaging reports (e.g., ultrasound, CT scan) confirming the presence of bilaterally small kidneys, as well as documentation of any investigations performed to determine the underlying cause. If no specific cause is identified, it should be explicitly stated.
** Excludes2: disorders of kidney and ureter with urolithiasis (N20-N23)
- Specialties:Nephrology, Radiology, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, On Campus-Outpatient Hospital, Off Campus-Outpatient Hospital, Office, Independent Clinic, Federally Qualified Health Center