Unspecified kidney failure

This code represents kidney failure where the specific type (acute or chronic) or underlying cause is not documented. It indicates a general impairment of renal function without further clinical detail.

Use this code when the medical record clearly states "kidney failure" but provides no additional information to classify it as acute, chronic, or to specify its stage. This code is appropriate when documentation is insufficient to assign a more specific code from categories N17.- or N18.-.

• Avoid using this code if documentation allows for a more specific diagnosis of acute kidney failure (N17.-) or chronic kidney disease (N18.-).
• Query the provider for clarification if "kidney failure" is documented without further specificity.
• Remember the Excludes1 notes; never code this with acute kidney failure (N17.-) or chronic kidney disease (N18.-).