Unspecified renal colic (N23)
The ICD-10 code N23 is used to classify cases of unspecified renal colic, a sudden and severe pain arising from the kidney or ureter. This code applies when the exact cause or location of the kidney-related pain is not specified.
Unspecified renal colic often presents as sharp pain in the kidney area, commonly referred to by various terms such as renal angle pain, ureteric colic, renal pain, or ureteric pain. These synonyms help identify the condition and aid coders in choosing N23 when the documentation lacks detail about the precise cause. This code covers situations where a patient experiences urinary tract or kidney tenderness without a confirmed diagnosis of stones or other specific disorders. For medical coders and healthcare workers, using the ICD-10 code for unspecified renal colic ensures proper record-keeping for kidney pain cases where no other identifiable pathology has been documented.
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.
Renal Colic
A severe intermittent and spasmodic pain in the lower back radiating to the groin, scrotum, and labia which is most commonly caused by a kidney stone (RENAL CALCULUS) passing through the URETER or by other urinary track blockage. It is often associated with nausea, vomiting, fever, restlessness, dull pain, frequent urination, and HEMATURIA.
