Is ICD-10-CM code N11 billable?

No, N11 (Chronic tubulo-interstitial nephritis) 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 N11 belong to?

N11 belongs to Chapter 14 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: N00–N99 (Diseases of the Genitourinary System).

N11Not billable, use a more specific code below

Chronic tubulo-interstitial nephritis

In Renal tubulo-interstitial diseases (N10-N16), chapter 14: Diseases of the Genitourinary System

4 billable codes under N11: 3 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

chronic infectious interstitial nephritis
chronic pyelitis
chronic pyelonephritis

Use additional code: add a second code for this, listed after this one

code (B95-B97), to identify infectious agent.

Also applies, from Renal tubulo-interstitial diseases (N10-N16)

These notes sit on N10-N16 and apply to every code under it, including N11.

Includes: conditions that are coded here

pyelonephritis

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

pyeloureteritis cystica (N28.85)

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 N11

N11 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

N11 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, the billable codes under N11 group to MS-DRG 689, 690, 693, 694, 791, or 793 (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

DRG 689 Kidney and Urinary Tract Infections with MCC (3 of 4 codes)
DRG 690 Kidney and Urinary Tract Infections without MCC (3 of 4 codes)
DRG 693 Urinary Stones with MCC (1 of 4 codes)
DRG 694 Urinary Stones without MCC (1 of 4 codes)
DRG 791 Prematurity with Major Problems (1 of 4 codes)
DRG 793 Full Term Neonate with Major Problems (1 of 4 codes)

Other codes that refer to N11

Notes on these codes point to N11.

N03 Excludes1: chronic tubulo-interstitial nephritis (N11.-)

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.