Is ICD-10-CM code N15 billable?

No, N15 (Other renal tubulo-interstitial diseases) 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 N15 belong to?

N15 belongs to Chapter 14 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: N00–N99 (Diseases of the Genitourinary System).

N15Not billable, use a more specific code below

Other renal tubulo-interstitial diseases

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

4 billable codes under N15: 1 is an MCC; none map to an HCC.A CC or MCC (major CC) is a secondary diagnosis that raises the MS-DRG payment.

Instructional notes

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

These notes sit on N10-N16 and apply to every code under it, including N15.

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 N15

N15 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

N15 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, the billable codes under N15 group to these 7 MS-DRGs (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

DRG 698 Other Kidney and Urinary Tract Diagnoses with MCC (3 of 4 codes)
DRG 699 Other Kidney and Urinary Tract Diagnoses with CC (3 of 4 codes)
DRG 700 Other Kidney and Urinary Tract Diagnoses without CC/MCC (3 of 4 codes)
DRG 689 Kidney and Urinary Tract Infections with MCC (1 of 4 codes)
DRG 690 Kidney and Urinary Tract Infections 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)

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.