Is ICD-10-CM code N05 billable?

No, N05 (Unspecified nephritic syndrome) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM code. It must be coded to a more specific subcategory before it can be used for reimbursement.

What chapter does ICD-10-CM code N05 belong to?

N05 belongs to Chapter 14 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: N00–N99 (Diseases of the Genitourinary System).

N05Not billable, use a more specific code below

Unspecified nephritic syndrome

In Glomerular diseases (N00-N08), chapter 14: Diseases of the Genitourinary System

11 billable codes under N05: 5 are a CC; none map to an HCC.A CC or MCC (major CC) is a secondary diagnosis that raises the MS-DRG payment.

Instructional notes

Includes: conditions that are coded here

glomerular disease NOS
glomerulonephritis NOS
nephritis NOS
nephropathy NOS and renal disease NOS with morphological lesion specified in .0-.8

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

nephropathy NOS with no stated morphological lesion (N28.9)
renal disease NOS with no stated morphological lesion (N28.9)
tubulo-interstitial nephritis NOS (N12)

Also applies, from Glomerular diseases (N00-N08)

These notes sit on N00-N08 and apply to every code under it, including N05.

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

hypertensive chronic kidney disease (I12.-)

Code also: add a code for this too, order depends on the encounter

any associated kidney failure (N17-N19).

Official coding guidelines

From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.

Covers chronic kidney disease staging, CKD in kidney transplant patients, and sequencing CKD with related conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.

Chronic kidney disease (page 62)

Read Section I.C.14 (page 62)

All codes under N05

N05 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

N05 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, all 11 billable codes under N05 group to MS-DRG 698, 699, or 700 (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

Other codes that refer to N05

Notes on these codes point to N05.

N00 Excludes1: nephritic syndrome NOS (N05.-)
N01 Excludes1: nephritic syndrome NOS (N05.-)
N03 Excludes1: nephritic syndrome NOS (N05.-)
N28.9 Excludes1: unspecified nephritic syndrome (N05.-)

About the condition

Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.

Kidney Diseases

You have two kidneys, each about the size of your fist. They are near the middle of your back, just below the rib cage. Inside each kidney there are about a million tiny structures called nephrons. They filter your blood. They remove wastes and extra water, which become urine. The urine flows through tubes called ureters. It goes to your bladder, which stores the urine until you go to the bathroom.

Code history

Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.