The diagnosis code N28.1 within the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) is specifically used to classify “Cyst of kidney, acquired”. This code is crucial for medical billing, record-keeping, and epidemiological statistics in the United States and is effective as of October 1, 2015, with the current version being the 2025 edition, effective from October 1, 2024. Understanding this diagnosis code is essential for healthcare professionals dealing with renal conditions.
Alt text: N28.1 diagnosis code for acquired renal cyst, highlighting its use in medical coding and billing in the US healthcare system.
N28.1 is a billable and specific code, meaning it can be used to indicate a precise diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. It falls under the broader category of “Other disorders of kidney and ureter, not elsewhere classified” (N28). The term “acquired” is critical here, as it distinguishes these cysts from congenital kidney cysts, which are present from birth. This distinction is important for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
The ICD-10-CM code N28.1 is applicable to both solitary and multiple acquired cysts of the kidney. This means whether a patient has a single cyst or multiple cysts that developed after birth, the same code, N28.1, is used. Commonly used terms that are clinically synonymous with N28.1 include:
- Acquired complex renal cyst
- Acquired multiple renal cysts
- Acquired renal cystic disease
- Acquired single renal cyst
- Complex cyst of kidney acquired
- Multiple acquired kidney cysts
- Renal cystic disease, acquired
- Simple cyst of kidney
- Simple renal cyst
- Single acquired kidney cyst
It’s important to note the “Type 1 Excludes” for N28.1. In ICD-10-CM terminology, a “Type 1 Excludes” note signifies that the excluded code should never be used at the same time as N28.1. This is because the conditions are mutually exclusive. For instance, congenital forms of renal cysts should not be coded with N28.1, as this code specifically refers to acquired cysts.
Furthermore, N28.1, like many ICD-10-CM codes, has annotation back-references. These references point to other codes within the ICD-10-CM system that contain various annotations (like “Applicable To”, “Code Also”, “Excludes1”, etc.) that might be relevant to N28.1. This interconnectedness within the coding system helps ensure comprehensive and accurate medical coding.
In summary, diagnosis code N28.1 is the designated code for acquired renal cysts, encompassing both single and multiple occurrences. Its specific nature and clear exclusions ensure accurate medical documentation and billing for this common renal condition. Understanding the nuances of ICD-10-CM codes like N28.1 is vital for healthcare providers and coding professionals alike.
