ICD-10-CM Code N10 – Acute pyelonephritis

Code: N10 Type: ICD-10-CM (Diagnosis) Status: Active Effective: FY2016-2026

What does ICD-10-CM code N10 mean?

N10 represents Acute pyelonephritis. This genitourinary condition is classified under Chapter 14 (Diseases of the Genitourinary System) and is commonly encountered in both primary care and specialty settings. Coders frequently reference this code as acute pyelonephritis icd 10 or acute pyelonephritis.

Depending on the clinical diagnosis, management may involve ciprofloxacin. Refer to current clinical guidelines and provider documentation for treatment decisions.

Code category and hierarchy

  • Chapter: 14 – Diseases of the Genitourinary System (N00-N99)
  • Category: N10
  • Code: N10 – Acute pyelonephritis

Guideline notes and coding considerations

Important Guideline Note

Assign N10 only when documentation clearly supports this diagnosis. Review the excludes notes and ensure no conflicts with other assigned codes.

  • Specificity: Assign N10 only when documentation supports this specific diagnosis.

Learn the underlying rules in the ICD-10 Coding Guidelines, Specificity Requirements.

Documentation tips (what coders should confirm)

  • Verify the clinical documentation supports the use of N10
  • Query the provider for greater specificity if clinical details suggest a more precise code

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Related ICD-10 codes

N12

Tubulo-interstitial nephritis, not specified as acute or chronic

N17.9

Acute kidney failure, unspecified

N18.9

Chronic kidney disease, unspecified

N20.0

Calculus of kidney

Frequently Asked Questions

The ICD-10-CM code for acute pyelonephritis is N10, which represents acute pyelonephritis. This code is also commonly referenced as acute pyelonephritis. Verify this code using the ICD Code Auditor to ensure guideline compliance.

Yes. N10 is an active ICD-10-CM diagnosis code used to classify acute pyelonephritis for clinical documentation, reporting, and medical billing purposes.

Use the ICD Code Auditor to check N10 against official ICD-10-CM coding guidelines. The tool validates by fiscal year and patient gender to identify potential conflicts.

Documentation should clearly describe the clinical condition represented by N10 (Acute pyelonephritis). Include relevant clinical findings, diagnostic test results, provider assessment, and the treatment plan. The diagnosis must be supported by the medical record and not based solely on lab results without clinical interpretation.

Sources

Reviewed by: Certified ICD-10 Coding & Risk Adjustment Specialist
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