Other acute kidney failure

This code signifies acute kidney failure that does not fit into more specific categories of acute renal failure, such as acute tubular necrosis or acute cortical necrosis. It represents a sudden and severe decline in kidney function, resulting in the accumulation of waste products in the blood, where the underlying cause or specific pathological mechanism is not otherwise specified.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates acute kidney failure, but the specific type (e.g., ATN, acute cortical necrosis) is not identified or is described as "other specified." This code is appropriate when the provider's assessment points to acute renal dysfunction without a more precise diagnostic label. Supporting documentation should include laboratory evidence of acute kidney injury (e.g., elevated creatinine, BUN) and clinical signs of renal impairment.

• Do not use this code if a more specific type of acute kidney failure (e.g., N17.0, N17.1, N17.2) is documented.
• Always sequence this code after the underlying cause of the acute kidney failure, if known and documented.
• Query the provider for a more specific diagnosis if the documentation only states "acute kidney failure" without further detail, to ensure the most precise code is assigned.