ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for kidney insufficiency
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Insufficiency, insufficient › kidney”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding kidney insufficiency
The ICD-10-CM code for kidney insufficiency is N28.9 (Disorder of kidney and ureter, unspecified). The official index lists 2 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on N28.9.
Within N28, choose N28.9 (Disorder of kidney and ureter, unspecified) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: ischemia and infarction of kidney (N28.0), cyst of kidney, acquired (N28.1) and other specified disorders of kidney and ureter (N28.8).
Don't report N28.9 together with the conditions in its Excludes1 note: chronic renal insufficiency (N18.9) and unspecified nephritic syndrome (N05.-).
It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.
More specific kidney insufficiency codes (official index)
Don't confuse with (Excludes1 for N28.9)
Common questions about kidney insufficiency ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for kidney insufficiency?
- N28.9 — Disorder of kidney and ureter, unspecified. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: N28.9, N18.9.
What is the ICD-10 code for acute kidney insufficiency?
- N28.9 — Disorder of kidney and ureter, unspecified.
What is the ICD-10 code for chronic kidney insufficiency?
- N18.9 — Chronic kidney disease, unspecified.
Is N28.9 billable?
- Yes. N28.9 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can N28.9 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict N28.9 as a principal diagnosis.
Is N28.9 a CC or MCC?
- No. N28.9 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.