Small kidney, unspecified

This diagnosis code signifies a kidney that is abnormally small in size without a specified underlying cause. It indicates a morphological abnormality of the kidney, where the reduction in size is not further characterized as due to hypoplasia, atrophy, or other specific etiologies.

Use this code when documentation indicates a "small kidney" but lacks further specificity regarding the etiology or type of smallness (e.g., hypoplastic, atrophic, end-stage renal disease). This code is appropriate when imaging reports or physician notes describe a diminutive kidney without providing a more precise diagnosis.

• Avoid using this code if a more specific diagnosis for the small kidney is documented (e.g., renal hypoplasia, renal atrophy, chronic kidney disease with small kidneys).
• Always query the provider for further specificity if only "small kidney" is noted, as a more precise diagnosis often exists.
• Consider sequencing with codes for any associated conditions, such as chronic kidney disease, if documented.