AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-9 - 1993 First Quarter
Renal Insufficiency and Renal Failure
Renal insufficiency - guidelines Renal failure - guidelines Renal Insufficiency It is generally accepted that renal insufficiency (code 593.9, Unspecified disorder of the Kidney and ureter) refers to the early stages of renal impairment, determined by mildly abnormal elevated values of serum creatinine or BUN or diminished creatinine clearance. Clinical symptoms or other abnormal laboratory parameters may or may not be present but are usually minimal. The treatment of renal insufficiency depends to a very large extent on the underlying cause, with much attention given to the possibility of preventing progression to renal failure. Renal Failure Note:As of...
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Article Overview
This article provides a high-level overview of renal insufficiency and renal failure, with emphasis on how documentation may reflect different stages of kidney impairment. It is relevant to coders, auditors, and clinical documentation staff who work with kidney-related diagnoses and need to understand the broad documentation themes discussed in the guidance.
Why This Topic Matters
Kidney impairment is often documented through a mix of laboratory values and clinical findings, so understanding the distinction between early impairment and more advanced failure helps support accurate record review. The article also highlights why clear physician documentation matters when lab abnormalities are present.
What You Will Learn
- How the article distinguishes renal insufficiency from renal failure at a broad clinical level
- What types of documentation may suggest more advanced kidney impairment
- Why kidney-related documentation should be supported by the medical record
- How the article frames changes in chronic kidney disease terminology over time
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Clinical documentation improvement staff
- Revenue cycle professionals
- Healthcare compliance staff
Codes Discussed
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