For 2021 coding, which begins on October 1, 2020, Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3 (N18.3) was changed to
- N18.30 Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3, unspecified (This code corresponds to Glomerular Filtration Rates (GFRs) between 30 and 59.)
- N18.31 Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3a (This code corresponds to Glomerular Filtration Rates (GFRs) between 45 and 59.)
- N18.32 Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3b (This code corresponds to Glomerular Filtration Rates (GFRs) between 30 and 44.)
Most lab-based diagnoses require two consecutive laboratory findings, spaced a few months apart, for confirmation of the condition. In the absence of clear guidance on the 2021 ICD-10-CM coding of Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3, we suggest having two consecutive lab values in the CKD 3 range (GFR 30-59). When the provider is ready to assign a code upon receiving the second result, we recommend using the most recent GFR to assign the code.
Feel free to request our FREE Bulletin on coding CKD 3.