2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code N13Obstructive and reflux uropathy

ICD-10-CM Codes›N00–N99›N10-N16›N13

ICD-10-CM N13
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

N13 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for obstructive and reflux uropathy, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as N13.0, N13.1, N13.2, and N13.30.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
N13
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Obstructive and reflux uropathy
Short Description
Obstructive and reflux uropathy
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Chapter
N10-N16
Renal tubulo-interstitial diseases

Code Classification

ChapterN00–N99Diseases of the genitourinary system
SectionN10-N16Renal tubulo-interstitial diseases
CategoryN13Obstructive and reflux uropathy
This CodeN13Obstructive and reflux uropathy

Specific Coding for Obstructive and reflux uropathyOverview

Non-specific codes like N13 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • Use N13.0 for Hydronephrosis with ureteropelvic junction obstruction

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

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

  • N13.3 for Other and unspecified hydronephrosis

  • Use N13.30 for Unspecified hydronephrosis

  • Use N13.39 for Other hydronephrosis

  • Use N13.4 for Hydroureter

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

  • Use N13.6 for Pyonephrosis

  • N13.7 for Vesicoureteral-reflux

  • Use N13.70 for Vesicoureteral-reflux, unspecified

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

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

  • N13.73 for Vesicoureteral-reflux with reflux nephropathy with hydroureter

  • Use N13.8 for Other obstructive and reflux uropathy

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

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to N13: its own notes plus those printed at block N10-N16 and Chapter 14. A note printed at a category, block or chapter applies to every code under it.

Includes

Further defines, or gives examples of, the content of the category.

From Block N10-N16 Renal tubulo-interstitial diseases applies to 35 codes
  • pyelonephritis

Excludes1

Not coded here: the excluded code is never reported together with this one, unless the two conditions are unrelated.

From Block N10-N16 Renal tubulo-interstitial diseases applies to 35 codes
  • pyeloureteritis cystica (N28.85)

Excludes2

Not included here: the excluded condition is not part of this code, but a patient may have both, so both codes may be reported.

On N13 itself
  • 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)
From Chapter 14 (N00-N99) Diseases of the genitourinary system applies to 838 codes
  • certain conditions originating in the perinatal period (P04-P96)
  • certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99)
  • complications of pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (O00-O9A)
  • congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-Q99)
  • endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases (E00-E88)
  • injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88)
  • neoplasms (C00-D49)
  • symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R94)

Source: CMS ICD-10-CM Tabular List. How to read instructional notes.

Referenced in Other NotesGuidance

Instructional notes printed at other codes that name N13, its category, or a range that includes it.

Excludes1 1

These codes carry an Excludes1 note naming N13: they are not reported together with it, unless the two conditions are unrelated.

  • N11.1 Chronic obstructive pyelonephritis
    obstructive uropathy (N13.-)

Code Also 3

These codes say N13 may also be needed to fully describe the condition. The note gives no sequencing direction.

  • N80.A4 Superficial endometriosis of ureter
    if applicable, obstructive and reflux uropathy (N13.-)
  • N80.A5 Deep endometriosis of ureter
    if applicable, obstructive and reflux uropathy (N13.-)
  • N80.A6 Endometriosis of ureter, unspecified depth
    if applicable, obstructive and reflux uropathy (N13.-)

Patient EducationClinical

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Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2026No changes
FY 2027CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

Questions About N13Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for obstructive and reflux uropathy?

N13 is the ICD-10-CM category for obstructive and reflux uropathy, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

Is N13 (Obstructive and reflux uropathy) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for obstructive and reflux uropathy, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for obstructive and reflux uropathy need a more specific code from this category, such as N13.0, N13.1, and N13.2.

Can N13 be reported with N28.85?

Not as a rule. The Excludes1 note at block N10-N16, which applies to N13, lists "pyeloureteritis cystica (N28.85)". An Excludes1 note means the excluded code is never reported together with this one; the only exception is when the two conditions are unrelated to each other (Official Guidelines, Section I.A.12.a).