Chronic tubulo-interstitial nephritis (N11)
The ICD-10 codes under section N11 are specifically used to classify various forms of chronic tubulo-interstitial nephritis, a long-term inflammation affecting the kidney’s tubules and surrounding interstitial tissue. These codes include different types of chronic pyelonephritis, both reflux-associated and obstructive, as well as other chronic interstitial kidney inflammations.
This group covers conditions like nonobstructive reflux-associated chronic pyelonephritis (N11.0), often referred to by synonyms such as “chronic urinary tract infection” and “familial non-obstructive reflux-associated chronic pyelonephritis.” It also includes chronic obstructive pyelonephritis (N11.1), known alternatively as “obstructive pyelonephritis.” For other less common types, N11.8 encompasses chronic infections and interstitial nephritis variants, including “xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis” and “renal interstitial fibrosis.” Finally, N11.9 captures unspecified or idiopathic chronic tubulo-interstitial nephritis, linking it to causes like metabolic, neoplastic, ischemic diseases, or complications from renal transplantation. Using these codes helps medical coders accurately document specific chronic kidney inflammations for diagnosis and treatment tracking.
Instructional Notations
Includes
This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.
- chronic infectious interstitial nephritis
- chronic pyelitis
- chronic pyelonephritis
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.
Clinical Terms
The following clinical terms provide additional context, helping users better understand the clinical background and common associations for each diagnosis listed in this section. Including related terms alongside ICD-10-CM codes supports coders, billers, and healthcare professionals in improving accuracy, enhancing documentation, and facilitating research or patient education.
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.
