Version 2024

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code N13

Obstructive and reflux uropathy

ICD-10-CM Code:
N13
ICD-10 Code for:
Obstructive and reflux uropathy
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • Diseases of the genitourinary system
    (N00–N99)
    • Renal tubulo-interstitial diseases
      (N10-N16)
      • Obstructive and reflux uropathy
        (N13)

N13 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of obstructive and reflux uropathy. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2024 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Specific Coding Applicable to Obstructive and reflux uropathy

Non-specific codes like N13 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10-CM codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for obstructive and reflux uropathy:

  • Use N13.0 for Hydronephrosis with ureteropelvic junction obstruction - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use N13.1 for Hydronephrosis with ureteral stricture, not elsewhere classified - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use N13.2 for Hydronephrosis with renal and ureteral calculous obstruction - BILLABLE CODE

  • N13.3 for Other and unspecified hydronephrosis - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use N13.30 for Unspecified hydronephrosis - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use N13.39 for Other hydronephrosis - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use N13.4 for Hydroureter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use N13.5 for Crossing vessel and stricture of ureter without hydronephrosis - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use N13.6 for Pyonephrosis - BILLABLE CODE

  • N13.7 for Vesicoureteral-reflux - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use N13.70 for Vesicoureteral-reflux, unspecified - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use N13.71 for Vesicoureteral-reflux without reflux nephropathy - BILLABLE CODE

  • N13.72 for Vesicoureteral-reflux with reflux nephropathy without hydroureter - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • N13.73 for Vesicoureteral-reflux with reflux nephropathy with hydroureter - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use N13.8 for Other obstructive and reflux uropathy - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use N13.9 for Obstructive and reflux uropathy, unspecified - BILLABLE CODE

Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries

The following annotation back-references are applicable to this diagnosis code. The Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries is a list of ICD-10-CM codes, organized "head to toe" into chapters and sections with coding notes and guidance for inclusions, exclusions, descriptions and more.


Type 2 Excludes

Type 2 Excludes
A type 2 excludes note represents "Not included here". An excludes2 note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate.
  • calculus of kidney and ureter without hydronephrosis N20
  • congenital obstructive defects of renal pelvis and ureter Q62.0 Q62.3
  • hydronephrosis with ureteropelvic junction obstruction Q62.11
  • obstructive pyelonephritis N11.1

Patient Education


Bladder Diseases

The bladder is a hollow organ in your lower abdomen that stores urine. Many conditions can affect your bladder. Some common ones are:

  • Cystitis - inflammation of the bladder, often from an infection
  • Urinary incontinence - loss of bladder control
  • Overactive bladder - a condition in which the bladder squeezes urine out at the wrong time
  • Interstitial cystitis - a chronic problem that causes bladder pain and frequent, urgent urination
  • Bladder cancer

Doctors diagnose bladder diseases using different tests. These include urine tests, x-rays, and an examination of the bladder wall with a scope called a cystoscope. Treatment depends on the cause of the problem. It may include medicines and, in severe cases, surgery.

NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

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.

Most kidney diseases attack the nephrons. This damage may leave kidneys unable to remove wastes. Causes can include genetic problems, injuries, or medicines. You have a higher risk of kidney disease if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a close family member with kidney disease. Chronic kidney disease damages the nephrons slowly over several years. Other kidney problems include:

  • Cancer
  • Cysts
  • Stones
  • Infections

Your doctor can do blood and urine tests to check if you have kidney disease. If your kidneys fail, you will need dialysis or a kidney transplant.

NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History

  • FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
  • FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
  • FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.