Acute kidney failure with medullary necrosis

This code signifies a sudden and severe decline in kidney function, specifically accompanied by damage and death of tissue within the renal medulla. This condition is characterized by an abrupt inability of the kidneys to adequately filter waste products from the blood, often leading to fluid and electrolyte imbalances.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates acute kidney failure and explicitly mentions the presence of medullary necrosis. This often arises in scenarios such as severe ischemia, certain drug toxicities, or systemic illnesses affecting renal perfusion. Supporting documentation should include pathology reports, imaging findings, or physician notes detailing both the acute renal failure and the specific medullary involvement.

• Differentiate from other forms of acute kidney injury; the key is the documented medullary necrosis.
• Do not use if the kidney failure is chronic or if medullary necrosis is not explicitly stated.
• Code any underlying cause of the acute kidney failure and medullary necrosis as additional diagnoses.