Is ICD-10-CM code N20 billable?

No, N20 (Calculus of kidney and ureter) 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 N20 belong to?

N20 belongs to Chapter 14 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: N00–N99 (Diseases of the Genitourinary System).

N20Not billable, use a more specific code below

Calculus of kidney and ureter

In Urolithiasis (N20-N23), chapter 14: Diseases of the Genitourinary System

4 billable codes under N20: 2 are a CC; none map to an HCC.A CC or MCC (major CC) is a secondary diagnosis that raises the MS-DRG payment.

Also indexed as: Calculus, pyelonephritis; Pyelitis, with, calculus; Pyelitis, chronic, with calculus; Pyelonephritis, with, calculus; Pyelonephritis, calculous; Pyelonephritis, chronic, with calculus

Instructional notes

Includes: conditions that are coded here

Calculous pyelonephritis

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

nephrocalcinosis (E83.59)
that with hydronephrosis (N13.2)

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 N20

N20 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

N20 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, all 4 billable codes under N20 group to MS-DRG 693 or 694 (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 N20

Notes on these codes point to N20.

N13 Excludes2: calculus of kidney and ureter without hydronephrosis (N20.-)
N25-N29 Excludes2: disorders of kidney and ureter with urolithiasis (N20-N23)

About the condition

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

Kidney Stones

A kidney stone is a solid piece of material that forms in the kidney from substances in the urine. It may be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a pearl. Most kidney stones pass out of the body without help from a doctor. But sometimes a stone will not go away. It may get stuck in the urinary tract, block the flow of urine and cause great pain.

Ureteral Disorders

Your kidneys make urine by filtering wastes and extra water from your blood. The urine travels from the kidneys to the bladder in two thin tubes called ureters.

Code history

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