Nephropathy induced by heavy metals

This code signifies kidney damage or disease resulting from exposure to toxic levels of heavy metals. This nephropathy can manifest as acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, or specific tubular or glomerular disorders, depending on the heavy metal involved and the duration/intensity of exposure.

Use this code when documentation clearly links kidney dysfunction to heavy metal toxicity, such as lead, mercury, cadmium, or arsenic. This diagnosis is supported by patient history of exposure, elevated heavy metal levels in blood or urine, and renal biopsy findings consistent with heavy metal-induced damage.

• Always sequence a code for the specific heavy metal poisoning (e.g., T56.-) as the primary diagnosis, if known and actively treated.
• Ensure documentation specifies the heavy metal involved to support the poisoning code and establish causality.
• Distinguish from other forms of toxic nephropathy; this code is specific to heavy metals.