Nephrology Billing Services

Nephrology billing services play a crucial role in keeping kidney care practices financially healthy while ensuring compliance with ever-changing payer rules. From chronic kidney disease (CKD) to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and dialysis management, nephrology involves a high volume of recurring visits, bundled payments, and intricate coding. That is where specialized nephrology billing support becomes indispensable. At MedStates, we provide nationwide nephrology billing services for nephrologists in every U.S. State. Whether you run a dialysis center, hospital-based nephrology group, or private kidney clinic, our expert nephrology billing services assist you comply with payer requirements and compliance with industry standards.

Why Nephrology Billing Requires Specialized Expertise

Nephrology billing is not just about submitting claims, it is about understanding how kidney care intersects with multiple reimbursement models, chronic disease management programs, and federal payer policies. Unlike routine physician billing, nephrology encounters involve recurring visits, dialysis treatments, and shared patient care, which all require precise documentation and coding. Therefore, each nephrology claim must accurately reflect the service type, dialysis frequency, and patient’s CKD or ESRD stage. Or else, even minor documentation gaps can trigger denials or payer audits when managing overlapping coverages between Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers.

Our Dedicated Medical Billing Services for Nephrologists Nationwide

Our nephrology billing services are designed manages complete cycle of kidney care reimbursements from insurance verification to denial resolution. MedStates rank amongst the top 5 nephrology billing companies with hands on experience of nephrology coding, dialysis billing, and ESRD claim management.

Credentialing & Payer Enrollment Support

We assist nephrology practices in enrolling with Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurers. Our credentialing experts manage all paperwork, track application status for uninterrupted reimbursements

Insurance Verification & Eligibility (VOB)

Before each dialysis session or a nephrology patient visit, our team verifies insurance status, coverage limitations, and coordination of benefits. This proactive verification eliminates eligibility-related denials 

Prior Authorization Management

Nephrology procedures, especially renal imaging, dialysis initiation, and injectable medications, often require prior authorization. We ensure the provided services are preapproved and reimbursed without delays.

Accurate Coding (CPT, ICD-10, HCPCS)

Our certified coders specialize in mapping nephrology documentation to precise codes that capture CKD stages, ESRD treatments, and dialysis sessions adhering with CMS and AMA coding guidelines

Claims Submission & Tracking

Once claims are scrubbed and coded, our team submits them electronically to all payers on prescribed format, for real-time tracking and automated alerts to achieve 97% claim acceptance rate

Denial Management & Appeals

For 3% claim denials, our nephrology billing specialists analyze denial trends to identify the root cause followed up with appeals and resubmission — turning denials into recovered revenue

Payment Posting & Reporting

Every payment and adjustment is accurately posted into your billing software, creating a clear audit trail. We also provide monthly reports to track key performance indicators

Application of Medical Billing Codes in Nephrology RCM

Accurate coding is the foundation of successful nephrology billing. Each encounter — whether it’s a dialysis session, CKD follow-up, or renal procedure — requires precise CPT, ICD-10, and HCPCS code selection. Our best nephrology billing services ensure every claim accurately represents the medical necessity and scope of care for understanding of the payer, so to ensure minimized denials and optimized reimbursement.

CPT Codes applied in Nephrology Billing Services

CPT CodeDescription / Use Case
90935Hemodialysis procedure requiring a physician’s evaluation.
90937Hemodialysis with repeated evaluation or prolonged session.
90945Peritoneal dialysis—single exchange procedure.
90947Peritoneal dialysis—repeated or prolonged procedure.
99214Established patient E/M visit for ongoing CKD or ESRD management.
G0317–G0323Chronic care management codes for complex CKD coordination under Medicare.

ICD-10 Codes in Nephrology Claims Management Services

ICD-10 CodeDescription / Clinical Condition
N18.1–N18.6Chronic kidney disease (CKD), stages 1–5 and ESRD.
I12.9Hypertensive chronic kidney disease without heart failure.
E11.22Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic CKD (nephropathy).
N25.81Secondary hyperparathyroidism due to renal disease.
Z99.2Dependence on renal dialysis.

HCPCS Codes in Nephrology Billing Solutions

HCPCS CodeDescription / Application
J1756Injection, iron sucrose, 1 mg — for anemia in CKD/ESRD patients.
J0885Injection, epoetin alfa, 1000 units — for erythropoietin therapy.
A4657Dialysis tubing, per set — used during hemodialysis sessions.
A4913Dialysis solution or disposable supplies.
J2997Injection, alteplase (tPA) — used to declot dialysis catheters.

Modifiers Used in Kidney Care Billing Management

Modifiers play a crucial role in nephrology billing services, helping ensure accurate reimbursement and preventing claim denials for complex renal care scenarios. Modifier 25 is commonly used when a nephrologist provides a separately identifiable E/M service on the same day as a dialysis procedure. Modifier 59 distinguishes distinct procedural services that are medically necessary but typically not billed together. Modifier 76 is applied when the same nephrologist repeats a diagnostic test or service within a single day, while Modifier 91 is used for repeated lab tests essential for dialysis management and ongoing CKD monitoring. Additionally, Modifier 26 identifies the professional component when a nephrologist interprets diagnostic tests and the facility bills for the technical portion. Using these modifiers correctly in nephrology billing ensures compliance, reduces denials, and maximizes revenue integrity.

👉 For an in-depth understanding of modifier usage, refer to our detailed Modifiers in Medical Billing guide.

Place of Service (POS) Codes for Nephrologists Billing

In nephrology billing, POS 11 is used for nephrology consultations in private practices and outpatient offices (refer to our Place of Service 11 in Medical Billing guide for complete details). POS 21 applies to inpatient hospital settings for nephrology consults or dialysis during hospital stays, while POS 22 is designated for outpatient hospital visits. For dialysis sessions performed in dedicated facilities, POS 65 is used to represent End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) treatment centers. 

👉 For an in-depth understanding of POS usage, refer to Place of Service in Medical Billing guide.

Differences in Nephrology Practice Billing Across States

Nephrology billing requirements differ widely across states. In California, Medi-Cal mandates duration-based modifiers for dialysis, while Texas payers often require preauthorization for CKD follow-ups. Whereas, Florida and New York enforce strict documentation and modifier rules for ESRD treatments, and Illinois denies claims lacking proper CKD-stage coding. States like Ohio, Georgia, and North Carolina have varying Medicaid and POS-based policies affecting dialysis reimbursement, while Michigan requires separate billing for hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Understanding these state-specific nephrology billing variations is key to avoiding denials and maximizing revenue.

Each of these state-level variations reflects how complex nephrology billing truly is. When payers, counties, or Medicaid plans for kidney care require different documentation or modifier rules, even the smallest inconsistency can result in denials, audits, or underpayments.

Requirements of Payers While Billing for Nephrology Treatments

Every insurance payer has its own nephrology billing policies, modifier rules, and documentation protocols. Since nephrology services — particularly dialysis, CKD management, and transplant-related care — are high-cost and frequently audited, therefore, understanding payer-specific variations is crucial for accurate reimbursement. At MedStates, our nephrology billing specialists work closely with all major public and private insurers to stay compliant with their ever-evolving requirements. Below is a comparative summary of the key payer differences that affect nephrology billing across the U.S.

Insurance PayerKey Billing RequirementCommon Nephrology Codes AffectedDocumentation / Modifier Requirement
MedicareStrict ESRD monthly capitation payment (MCP) structure; bundled reimbursement for dialysis-related care.CPT 90960–90962Must include complete date range of services and POS 11 or 65 as applicable.
Medicaid (State-specific)Varies by state — some Medicaid plans require prior authorization for CKD and ESRD visits.CPT  99214, 90935, 90937State-specific modifiers like U1, U2, or GT required in telehealth claims.
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)Different plans follow regional guidelines (e.g., BCBS TX vs. BCBS CA).CPT  90999, 99213, 90945Requires claim-level authorization codes; missing codes cause automatic denials.
AetnaPrefers electronic claim submissions through Availity; audits high-frequency dialysis billing.CPT  90935, 99214Requires CKD stage documentation; nephrologist NPI must match treating provider.
CignaRequests documentation for every ESRD claim beyond 12 months.CPT  90960, 90961Add modifier 25 for same-day consults and 59 for bundled service separation.
UnitedHealthcare (UHC)Monitors frequency of CPT 90935/90937 within the same billing period.CPT  90935, 90937Use correct ICD-10 N18.x stage code; incorrect linkage leads to denials.
HumanaImplements payer-specific dialysis documentation requirements; frequent audits in southern states.CPT  90999, 99215Requires supporting clinical notes for every recurring dialysis session.
TricareRequires preauthorization for ESRD and transplant-related visits.CPT  90960, 99214Military-specific place-of-service rules; POS 11 preferred for in-office care.
Kaiser PermanenteBundled billing policy for nephrology consults within same facility.CPT  99213, 90935Requires electronic claim attachments and proof of medical necessity.
Commercial Payers (regional)Regional plans (e.g., Independence, Highmark) have custom CKD care pathways.CPT  90935–90937, 99214Attach dialysis duration, stage, and care plan for each monthly claim.

Our nephrology billing team ensures that every claim meets the exact specifications of the respective payer — from prior authorizations to modifier validation. We integrate payer updates, local coverage determinations (LCDs), and NCCI edits into your billing workflow to eliminate denials and accelerate cash flow.

Why Choose Us for Nephrology Billing Services

At MedStates, we bring together the precision of certified medical coders, the insight of nephrology specialists, and the compliance expertise of billing professionals who understand every payer and state rule. Our goal is simple — to help nephrologists maximize reimbursements, minimize denials, and gain financial transparency in their practice. Here is what makes our nephrology billing company stands out:

Specialty-Trained Nephrology Billing Team

Our billing professionals are trained specifically in nephrology and renal care billing. From dialysis CPTs (90935–90999) to ESRD monthly claims, we handle every scenario with accuracy and compliance.

Experience Across All Practice Types

Whether you operate a dialysis center, serve as a hospital-based nephrologist, or manage a private nephrology clinic, our team tailors workflows to match your facility’s setup, payer mix, and EHR system. See this to find an EHR for your nephrology practice 

97% Clean Claim Acceptance Rate

With rigorous internal audits and real-time claim scrubbing, our nephrology billing process ensures that nearly every claim submitted is accepted on the first attempt — cutting rework and AR delays. Curious to know what clean claim is? Read this guide on clean claims in medical billing

Seamless EHR Integration

We integrate directly with leading EHRs — including, but not limited to, Epic, eClinicalWorks, Athenahealth, and Kareo — to streamline documentation, charge capture, and claim creation without disrupting your existing workflows.

Focused on Financial Performance

Our analytics-driven approach focuses on reducing Accounts Receivable (AR) days, improving collection ratios, and identifying underpayment trends — ensuring your nephrology practice reaches its true earning potential.

💡 We combine technology, training, and payer-specific expertise to bring clarity and profitability to your nephrology RCM.

Nephrology billing demands precision, payer-specific insight, and constant adaptation to regulatory changes. At MedStates, we bring all three together — helping nephrologists and renal care providers achieve error-free billing, faster reimbursements, and full revenue transparency.

Whether you are an independent nephrologist, a group practice, or a dialysis facility, when you search for nepehrology billing services near me, you see how our kidney care billing solutions fit your practice. From credentialing and preauthorization to denial prevention and appeals, we handle everything so you can focus on kidney care patients. When you outsource your nephrology billing services to MedStates, you get:

  • End-to-end nephrology billing and coding support
  • Expertise in Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial payer policies
  • State- and county-specific compliance guidance
  • Real-time reporting and analytics
  • Transparent communication with dedicated billing specialists

 “MedStates is more than a billing partner — we become an extension of our nephrology practice.”

📞 Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discover how best nephrology billing services improve your practice health.

Frequently Asked Questions by Nephrologists

What makes nephrology billing different from other medical specialties?

Nephrology billing involves complex recurring services like dialysis and ESRD management, which require bundled CPT codes (90935–90999) and precise modifier usage. Payers also apply distinct rules for place of service (POS 11 vs. POS 65), making accuracy critical.

Which CPT codes are commonly used in nephrology billing?

Common nephrology CPT codes include 90935, 90937, 90960–90962, and 99213–99215 for evaluation and management visits. Each corresponds to specific dialysis sessions, duration, or monthly capitation claims under Medicare’s ESRD program.

How do modifiers affect nephrology billing claims?

Modifiers like 25, 59, and GT indicate distinct services, bundled exceptions, or telehealth encounters. Incorrect modifier usage is one of the most frequent causes of claim denials in nephrology billing.

What are the common reasons for denials in nephrology claims?

The most common denial causes include missing preauthorization, wrong POS codes, duplicate dialysis claims, and incomplete documentation of CKD stage or treatment duration.

How does MedStates handle payer-specific nephrology billing rules?

We maintain detailed payer profiles that include policy updates, LCD changes, and bundling rules for each region. Our nephrology billing software auto-validates CPT, ICD-10, and modifier combinations per payer before submission.

Can MedStates assist with telehealth nephrology billing?

Yes. We support tele-nephrology billing by applying correct modifiers (GT, 95) and POS codes for virtual consultations, ensuring compliance with payer-specific telehealth policies.

Do billing requirements differ by state or county?

Absolutely. For example, Medi-Cal in California and Keystone First in Pennsylvania have unique nephrology claim rules. We maintain state-level compliance maps to ensure each submission meets local regulations.

How can I get started with MedStates Nephrology Billing Services?

Simply reach out through our contact form or call us. Our team will review your current billing workflow, assess denial trends, and design a customized nephrology billing strategy aligned with your state, payer mix, and compliance needs
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