N18
Non-Billable

Chronic kidney disease (CKD)

Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code

What is Chronic kidney disease (CKD)?

ICD-10-CM N18 is the diagnosis code for Chronic kidney disease (CKD). This code falls under the section "Acute kidney failure and chronic kidney disease" within Chapter 14 — Diseases of the genitourinary system (N00-N99). It is a non-billable/non-specific ICD-10-CM code that should not be used for reimbursement. A more specific sub-code is required for billing. Medical coders and healthcare providers use this code to document and classify diagnoses in electronic health records, insurance claims, and clinical databases.

Coding Guidelines for N18

Always refer to the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List for complete coding guidelines. Ensure documentation supports the specificity of the code selected. When in doubt, consult a certified medical coder or the latest CMS guidelines.

ICD-10-CM Code Hierarchy

Understanding where N18 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:

Sub-Codes 7 entries
N18.1Chronic kidney disease, stage 1BillableN18.2Chronic kidney disease, stage 2 (mild)BillableN18.3Chronic kidney disease, stage 3 (moderate)Non-BillableN18.30Chronic kidney disease, stage 3 unspecifiedBillableN18.31Chronic kidney disease, stage 3aBillableN18.32Chronic kidney disease, stage 3bBillableN18.4Chronic kidney disease, stage 4 (severe)BillableN18.5Chronic kidney disease, stage 5BillableN18.6End stage renal diseaseBillableN18.9Chronic kidney disease, unspecifiedBillable
Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is N18 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

No, N18 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.

What does N18 mean?

N18 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Chronic kidney disease (CKD)". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.

What section is N18 in?

N18 is located in Section N17-N19 — "Acute kidney failure and chronic kidney disease" within Chapter 14 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What are the sub-codes of N18?

N18 has 7 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: N18.1, N18.2, N18.3, N18.4, N18.5 and more.

When should I use N18?

Use N18 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Chronic kidney disease (CKD)" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.

People Also Ask

What is the ICD-10 code for Chronic kidney disease (CKD)?

The ICD-10-CM code for Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is N18.

Can N18 be used for primary diagnosis?

No, N18 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.

What chapter is N18 in?

N18 is in Chapter 14 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

Is N18 valid for 2026?

Yes, N18 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.

See Also

← PreviousN17.9Acute kidney failure, unspecifiedNext →N18.1Chronic kidney disease, stage 1
Code Details
N18
Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code
14 — Diseases of the genitourinary system (N00-N99)
N17-N19 — Acute kidney failure and chronic kidney disease
2026 ICD-10-CM