Is ICD-10-CM code N26 billable?

No, N26 (Unspecified contracted kidney) 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 N26 belong to?

N26 belongs to Chapter 14 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: N00–N99 (Diseases of the Genitourinary System).

N26Not billable, use a more specific code below

Unspecified contracted kidney

In Other disorders of kidney and ureter (N25-N29), chapter 14: Diseases of the Genitourinary System

3 billable codes under N26: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Instructional notes

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

contracted kidney due to hypertension (I12.-)
diffuse sclerosing glomerulonephritis (N05.8.-)
hypertensive nephrosclerosis (arteriolar) (arteriosclerotic) (I12.-)
small kidney of unknown cause (N27.-)

Also applies, from Other disorders of kidney and ureter (N25-N29)

These notes sit on N25-N29 and apply to every code under it, including N26.

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

disorders of kidney and ureter with urolithiasis (N20-N23)

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 N26

N26 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

N26 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, the billable codes under N26 group to MS-DRG 698, 699, 700, 304, or 305 (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 (2 of 3 codes)
DRG 699 Other Kidney and Urinary Tract Diagnoses with CC (2 of 3 codes)
DRG 700 Other Kidney and Urinary Tract Diagnoses without CC/MCC (2 of 3 codes)
DRG 304 Hypertension with MCC (1 of 3 codes)
DRG 305 Hypertension without MCC (1 of 3 codes)

Other codes that refer to N26

Notes on these codes point to N26.

I12 Includes: any condition in N18 and N26 - due to hypertension

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.