In simple words: This code means the kidneys have stopped working well enough to keep you healthy.You'll likely need dialysis (a machine to clean your blood) or a kidney transplant.

N18.6, End-stage renal disease (ESRD), signifies the most severe stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD).It's characterized by severely compromised kidney function, less than 10-15% of normal capacity, resulting in the inability to adequately eliminate waste products and maintain fluid balance.This necessitates long-term dialysis or kidney transplantation for survival.ESRD can stem from various underlying conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, and glomerulonephritis.Accurate diagnosis requires thorough clinical evaluation and laboratory testing.

Example 1: A 65-year-old diabetic patient presents with severe fatigue, edema, and elevated creatinine levels.Laboratory tests confirm an eGFR <15 mL/min/1.73 m², leading to a diagnosis of ESRD. The patient initiates hemodialysis., A 40-year-old patient with a history of hypertension develops ESRD, requiring peritoneal dialysis.The patient's medical records detail regular monitoring of blood pressure, dialysis parameters, and nutritional status., A 50-year-old patient undergoes a successful kidney transplant after being diagnosed with ESRD due to chronic glomerulonephritis.Post-transplant care includes immunosuppressant medication management and regular monitoring for rejection.

Comprehensive medical history, physical examination findings, laboratory results (eGFR, creatinine, electrolytes, blood urea nitrogen), imaging studies (if indicated), dialysis records (if applicable), and transplant records (if applicable).

** When coding for ESRD, ensure that all relevant secondary diagnoses and procedures are appropriately documented and coded to accurately reflect the patient's clinical picture and facilitate appropriate reimbursement.