N17 - Acute kidney failure

Version 2023
Non-Billable Code
ICD-10:N17
Short Description:Acute kidney failure
Long Description:Acute kidney failure
Status: Not Valid for Submission
Version:ICD-10-CM 2023
Code Classification:
  • Diseases of the genitourinary system (N00–N99)
    • Acute kidney failure and chronic kidney disease (N17-N19)
      • Acute kidney failure (N17)

N17 is a non-specific and non-billable ICD-10 code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of acute kidney failure. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2023 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 for Acute kidney failure

Non-specific codes like N17 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10 codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for acute kidney failure:

  • BILLABLE CODE - Use N17.0 for Acute kidney failure with tubular necrosis
  • BILLABLE CODE - Use N17.1 for Acute kidney failure with acute cortical necrosis
  • BILLABLE CODE - Use N17.2 for Acute kidney failure with medullary necrosis
  • BILLABLE CODE - Use N17.8 for Other acute kidney failure
  • BILLABLE CODE - Use N17.9 for Acute kidney failure, unspecified

Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries

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


Code Also

Code Also
A "code also" note instructs that two codes may be required to fully describe a condition, but this note does not provide sequencing direction.

Type 1 Excludes

Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.

Patient Education


Kidney Failure

Healthy kidneys clean your blood by removing excess fluid, minerals, and wastes. They also make hormones that keep your bones strong and your blood healthy. But if the kidneys are damaged, they don't work properly. Harmful wastes can build up in your body. Your blood pressure may rise. Your body may retain excess fluid and not make enough red blood cells. This is called kidney failure.

If your kidneys fail, you need treatment to replace the work they normally do. The treatment options are dialysis or a kidney transplant. Each treatment has benefits and drawbacks. No matter which treatment you choose, you'll need to make some changes in your life, including how you eat and plan your activities. But with the help of health care providers, family, and friends, most people with kidney failure can lead full and active lives.

NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Kidney Failure

Learn about preparing for and living with kidney failure, treatment choices—dialysis at home or in a center, kidney transplant, or conservative management.
[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History

Previous Code: N16

Next Code: N17.0