ICD 10 is the international classification of diseases, and nephrolithiasis is one of the diseases that falls under its umbrella. Nephrolithiasis is a condition in which a stone forms in one or more kidneys. These stones can cause various health problems, including renal failure and death. If you are a healthcare provider or patient with nephrolithiasis, it is important to understand ICD 10 so that you can properly code and track your patient’s medical history. This will help ensure proper treatment and reduce the chances of adverse outcomes. In this blog post, we will explore the ICD 10 code for nephrolithiasis and how to use it for your healthcare records.
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What is Nephrolithiasis?
Nephrolithiasis is a disease that results from the deposition of stones in the kidney, ureter, or bladder. Nephrolithiasis can be primary, which occurs without identifiable cause, or secondary, which is caused by another underlying disorder. Primary nephrolithiasis tends to occur more often in women than men and is more common in older people. Secondary nephrolithiasis most commonly results from the buildup of crystals in the urine after a kidney infection has been treated with antibiotics.
The five types of nephrolithiasis are:
- Primary: occurs in the first instance and is caused by an unidentified etiology
- Secondary: results from another kidney disorder that affects the urinary tract and leads to formation of stones
- Tertiary: occurs due to another disease or medication
- Quaternary: resulting from the combination of more than one type of stone
- Extrinsic: originating outside the body
What is the ICD 10 Code For Nephrolithiasis?
Nephrolithiasis is a condition where stones form in the renal (kidney) system. The most common type of nephrolithiasis is renal lithiasis, which is a disorder of the renal pelvis and ureters. Other types of nephrolithiasis include biliary (bile) and cystic (cyst-like) nephrolithiasis.
The ICD 10 Code For Nephrolithiasis is – N20.0
- N20.0 Calculus of kidney
Nephrolithiasis NOSRenal calculus or stoneStaghorn calculusStone in kidney
- N20.1 Calculus of ureter
Ureteric stone
- N20.2Calculus of kidney with calculus of ureter
- N20.9 Urinary calculus, unspecified
Causes of Nephrolithiasis
Kidneys are responsible for filtering our blood and removing waste products. When the kidney becomes damaged, the body may not be able to eliminate these wastes properly. This can lead to nephrolithiasis, or stones in the kidneys.
There are many factors that can cause nephrolithiasis. Some of the most common causes include:
-A build-up of protein in the urine (from diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure)
-A blockage in the urinary tract (including a tumor, infection, or stone)
-Too much calcium in the urine (from drinking too much milk or eating a lot of dairy products)
Symptoms of Nephrolithiasis
Nephrolithiasis is a disorder in which stones form in the kidney or other urinary organs. The most common type of nephrolithiasis is ureteral calculi, which are made up of calcium and sometimes other substances. Other types of nephrolithiasis can include renal lithiasis, cystinuria, and nephroblastoma.
The symptoms of Nephrolithiasis depend on the type of nephrolithiasis and may include:
-Frequent urination due to the presence of a stone in the urinary tract
-Lowering of blood pressure due to obstruction of the flow of urine
-Urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by bacteria that has grown resistant to antibiotics because of the presence of a stone in the urinary tract
-Severe pain when passing a stone
-Burning sensation when passing a stone
Diagnosis of Nephrolithiasis
Nephrolithiasis is a disorder of the renal system in which stones form in the kidneys. There are many different types of nephrolithiasis, but their causes and outcomes are fairly consistent.
The most common type of nephrolithiasis is primary nephrolithiasis, which is caused by excess urination. When enough urine collects in the bladder for more than a day, it can cause pressure on the urinary tract and lead to the formation of small stones called urotheliumal calculi (uro-=urine + lithia=stone). Thesestones can eventually block the kidney’s filtration ability and cause serious health problems.
Secondary nephrolithiasis develops when a previous stone-formers disease (such as ureterolithiasis or cystinuria) leads to an increase in the number of small stones in the kidneys. This can happen because these diseases damage kidney function over time, causing crystals to form in the blood and urine. Over time, thesecrystals can accumulate and form larger stones.
Tertiary nephrolithiasis occurs when stones formed from both primary and secondary nephrolithiasis become too large to pass through the filters of the kidneys. Thesestones then get stuck on either side of the renal pelvis (the area where each kidney attaches to your spine) and require surgical removal
Treatment of Nephrolithiasis
Nephrolithiasis is a disorder of the kidney that results in the formation of stones in one or more of the ureteral calculi. The most common type of nephrolithiasis is calcium stone formation, but other types include: uric acid stones, cystine stones, and phosphate stones. Treatment depends on the specific type of stone and may include surgery to remove the stone, medications to reduce the size of the stone, or a combination of treatments.
Prevention of Nephrolithiasis
Nephrolithiasis is a disorder of the kidney that can lead to stones in the urine, known as nephroliths. The most common type of nephrolithiasis is calcium stone formation (ureteral calculi), which accounts for more than 80% of all cases. Other types of nephrolithiasis include amyloid and cystine stones.
There are many ways to prevent Nephrolithiasis:
- Reduce your calcium intake: Consume less calcium-rich foods and beverages, especially if you are at risk for ureteral calculi.
- Exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet: Regular exercise helps improve kidney function and reduces the risk of developing ureteral calculi. A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as low-fat dairy products and fish.
- Avoid drinking alcohol: Alcohol can increase the risk for developing stones by increasing urinary calcium excretion.