N17.0
BillableAcute kidney failure with tubular necrosis
HCC Category Mapping
V24HCC 135 — Acute Renal Failure
0.452ESRDHCC 135 — Acute Renal Failure
0.000What This Code Means
Sudden loss of kidney function accompanied by death of the tubular cells in the kidney. This is a severe, life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical intervention.
Coding Tips
- •Document the cause of acute kidney failure (sepsis, hypotension, nephrotoxic drugs, etc.) as this affects treatment and prognosis
- •Monitor and document urine output, creatinine levels, and whether dialysis is required
Clinical Significance
Acute kidney failure with tubular necrosis represents a severe, life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical intervention and intensive monitoring. This diagnosis significantly impacts risk adjustment due to the high mortality risk, need for specialized care including potential dialysis, and complex management of underlying causes.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Clear documentation of acute kidney failure with sudden onset
- ✓Pathologic evidence or clinical findings consistent with tubular necrosis
- ✓Laboratory values supporting acute renal dysfunction (elevated creatinine, BUN)
- ✓Documentation of precipitating factors or underlying causes
- ✓Current treatment plan including fluid management and potential dialysis
- ✓Assessment of urine output and electrolyte status
- ✓Monitoring plan for progression and recovery
- ✓Documentation excluding chronic kidney disease as primary diagnosis
Commonly Confused Codes
N17.9 — Acute kidney failure, unspecified without specific tubular necrosisN18.6 — End stage renal disease, which is chronic rather than acuteR34 — Anuria and oliguria, which are symptoms rather than specific kidney failureE87.6 — Hypokalemia, which may be consequence rather than primary diagnosisN99.0 — Postprocedural (acute) kidney failure, which is procedure-related
Code Hierarchy
└N17Acute kidney failure└N17.0Acute kidney failure with tubular necrosis
└N17.0Acute kidney failure with tubular necrosis