Cloudy (hemodialysis) (peritoneal) dialysis effluent

This code signifies the presence of cloudy or turbid dialysis effluent, observed during either hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. It indicates an abnormal characteristic of the fluid drained from the patient, often suggesting an underlying issue such as infection or inflammation within the peritoneal cavity or the dialysis circuit.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states "cloudy dialysis effluent," "turbid dialysate," or similar findings in a patient undergoing either hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. This finding frequently prompts further investigation for peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis patients or potential infection/inflammation in hemodialysis patients.

• Always specify the type of dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal) if documented, though this code covers both.
• Do not use this code if a definitive diagnosis for the cloudy effluent (e.g., peritonitis) has been established; instead, code the definitive diagnosis.
• This code is often a sign or symptom and may be coded in conjunction with codes for further investigation or treatment, or as a primary diagnosis if no definitive cause is yet identified.