Accurately Code This Kidney and Ureter Stone Case
Question: Can you help me to correctly choose the diagnosis code for a patient found to have both renal and ureteral stones? I’m reviewing the following visit notes: The patient came in with severe back and lower abdominal pain. The practitioner conducted a thorough physical examination and ordered a computed tomography [CT] scan to see if kidney or bladder stones were present. Both renal and ureter stones were found. I’m thinking N13.2 would be most appropriate. Texas Subscriber Answer: The correct code to report both the renal and ureter stones would be N20.2 (Calculus of kidney with calculus of ureter) to report both conditions. Code N13.2 (Hydronephrosis with renal and ureteral calculous obstruction) is not appropriate for this scenario because the patient must also have hydronephrosis when using this code. Hydronephrosis is a condition that causes the kidneys to swell due to urine buildup. If the patient does in fact have hydronephrosis caused by a renal/ureteral stone that’s obstructing flow, then N13.2 would be appropriate. Lindsey Bush, BA, MA, CPC, Production Editor, AAPC
