Acute pyelonephritis (N10) ICD-10-CM
The N10 code range covers acute pyelonephritis with 1 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 1 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Inclusion Terms
These terms are the conditions for which that code is to be used. The terms may be synonyms of the code title, or, in the case of "other specified" codes, the terms are a list of the various conditions assigned to that code. The inclusion terms are not necessarily exhaustive. Additional terms found only in the Alphabetic Index may also be assigned to a code.
- Acute infectious interstitial nephritis
- Acute pyelitis
- Acute tubulo-interstitial nephritis
- Hemoglobin nephrosis
- Myoglobin nephrosis
Use Additional Code
The “use additional code” indicates that a secondary code could be used to further specify the patient’s condition. This note is not mandatory and is only used if enough information is available to assign an additional code.
Codes in the N10 Range 1 codes · 1 billable
- N10 Acute pyelonephritis
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the N10 range.
Emphysematous Pyelonephritis
Acute often necrotizing pyelonephritis characterized by accumulation of gas within and around renal parenchyma. Emphysematous pyelonephritis is typically associated with bacterial infection in DIABETES MELLITUS and IMMUNOCOMPROMISED PATIENT.
Pyelitis
Inflammation of the KIDNEY PELVIS and KIDNEY CALICES where urine is collected before discharge, but does not involve the renal parenchyma (the NEPHRONS) where urine is processed.
About the N10 Code Range
The ICD-10 code N10 is specifically used for diagnosing and coding cases of acute pyelonephritis, a sudden and severe kidney infection. This code captures various types of acute kidney inflammations that primarily affect the renal pelvis and interstitial tissue.
Known by several names such as acute tubulo-interstitial nephritis, focal pyelonephritis, or acute bacterial tubulointerstitial nephritis, the condition includes infections caused by bacteria or fungi and may also be associated with systemic infections. The term acute pyelitis and emphysematous pyelonephritis are among the synonyms often related to N10, helping medical coders recognize the full spectrum of acute kidney infections covered by this code. Because this ICD-10 code covers not only simple kidney infections but also variants with or without renal medullary necrosis and infections linked to other disorders, it is essential for accurate clinical documentation and reporting of urinary tract infections involving the kidneys.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the N10 range?
Of the 1 codes in this range, 1 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the N10 range classify?
The range classifies acute pyelonephritis. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
