2025 ICD-10-CM code N17.9
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Acute kidney failure - Acute kidney failure and chronic kidney disease Diseases of the genitourinary system (N00-N99) Feed
Acute kidney failure, unspecified. Acute kidney injury (nontraumatic).
Medical necessity for N17.9 is established by the presence of clinical indicators of acute kidney failure, such as a sudden decline in kidney function, decreased urine output (oliguria or anuria), fluid overload, and electrolyte imbalances. The documentation must support the diagnosis of acute kidney failure and the need for treatment and management of the condition.
Nephrologists are primarily responsible for the diagnosis and management of acute kidney failure. They may consult with other specialists, such as critical care physicians or surgeons, depending on the cause and severity of the condition. The healthcare team must carefully monitor the patient’s fluid and electrolyte balance, blood pressure, and urine output, and provide appropriate interventions, such as dialysis, medications, and supportive care.
In simple words: This code represents a sudden loss of kidney function that isn't caused by physical injury.
Acute kidney failure, unspecified.This condition is characterized by the sudden inability of the kidneys to filter waste products from the blood, causing a rapid decline in kidney function. It is distinguished as being non-traumatic in nature, indicating that the cause is not related to a physical injury.
Example 1: A patient presents with a sudden decrease in urine output and elevated blood creatinine levels after undergoing a cardiac catheterization procedure. The physician documents the diagnosis as acute kidney injury., A patient with a history of heart failure is admitted to the hospital with shortness of breath and leg swelling. Lab tests reveal elevated creatinine and BUN levels, and the physician diagnoses acute kidney failure., A patient with severe sepsis develops a rapid decline in kidney function, requiring dialysis support. The medical record documents acute renal failure.
Documentation should clearly specify "acute kidney injury" or "acute renal failure". If known, the underlying cause, such as medications, infections, or underlying medical conditions, should be documented.The severity of AKI should also be noted, including lab results like creatinine and BUN levels, as well as urine output and the need for dialysis. Details about the clinical findings, such as fluid overload, electrolyte imbalances, or other related symptoms, should be included.
** The code N17.9 is used when the documentation does not provide further specificity about the type of acute kidney failure.It is crucial to distinguish acute kidney injury from chronic kidney disease, as these conditions have different management strategies.This code is used for non-traumatic acute kidney injury. If trauma is involved, use codes S37.0-.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Nephrology, Internal medicine, Critical care medicine, Hospital medicine, Emergency medicine
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Office