Hydronephrosis with renal and ureteral calculous obstruction

This code signifies the presence of hydronephrosis, which is the swelling of a kidney due to a backup of urine, specifically caused by an obstructing calculus (stone) located in either the kidney or the ureter. It indicates a mechanical blockage of urine flow due to a stone, leading to renal dilation.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states hydronephrosis is present and directly attributed to a renal or ureteral calculus causing obstruction. This diagnosis is typically supported by imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound, CT scan) showing both hydronephrosis and the obstructing stone, along with clinical symptoms of obstruction.

• Ensure documentation explicitly links the hydronephrosis to the calculus as the cause of obstruction.
• Do not use this code if there is any mention of infection; instead, refer to the Excludes1 note for the appropriate code.
• Consider sequencing if other conditions are present, prioritizing the most acute or resource-intensive diagnosis.