AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS - 2026 Issue 2; Ask the Editor
Presence of Arteriovenous Fistula for Future Dialysis
In a previous issue of Coding Clinic, it was advised that code Z99.2, Dependence on renal dialysis, should not be reported for the presence of a dialysis catheter (AV fistula) when the patient has not yet started dialysis. However, when referencing “Presence (of), arterial-venous shunt (dialysis)” and/or “Fistula (cutaneous), arteriovenous (acquired)(nonruptured), surgically created (for dialysis),” in the ICD-10-CM Alphabetic Index, code Z99.2 is provided.Is it appropriate to report code Z99.2 for the presence of an arteriovenous fistula in anticipation of future dialysis or does the patient need to begin dialysis prior to reporting this code? ...
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Article Overview
This Coding Clinic item addresses ICD-10-CM guidance related to documenting the presence of a dialysis-access arteriovenous fistula before dialysis treatment starts. It is relevant to coders, CDI professionals, and revenue cycle staff who need to understand how the Alphabetic Index and prior guidance intersect for this scenario.
Why This Topic Matters
Accurate documentation of dialysis access status can affect diagnosis coding consistency and problem-list reporting before dialysis is initiated. This article helps readers understand the scope of the issue and the type of ICD-10-CM guidance involved without exposing the full coding advice.
What You Will Learn
- How the article frames ICD-10-CM guidance for dialysis-access documentation
- What coding question is raised about arteriovenous fistula presence before dialysis begins
- How Coding Clinic references and the ICD-10-CM Alphabetic Index are involved in the discussion
- Why this issue matters for diagnosis reporting in renal care settings
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Clinical documentation integrity specialists
- Revenue cycle professionals
- Renal care billing staff
Codes Discussed
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