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ICD-10 Coding for Abnormal Glucose(R73.03, R73.09)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Abnormal Glucose. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

PrediabetesImpaired Glucose ToleranceUnspecified Hyperglycemia

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Abnormal Glucose

R73.0-R73.9Primary Range

Abnormal glucose levels, including prediabetes and unspecified hyperglycemia

This range covers various abnormal glucose conditions that are not classified as diabetes.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
R73.03PrediabetesUse when prediabetes criteria are met with documented lab results.
  • Two abnormal fasting glucose tests
  • Concordant results across different tests
R73.09Other abnormal glucoseUse when glucose levels are abnormal but do not meet prediabetes criteria.
  • Single abnormal glucose value
  • Conflicting test results

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for prediabetes

Essential facts and insights about Abnormal Glucose

The ICD-10 code for prediabetes is R73.03, used when fasting glucose is 100-125 mg/dL or A1C is 5.7-6.4%.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for abnormal glucose

Prediabetes
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Fasting glucose between 100-125 mg/dL

Applicable To

  • Fasting glucose 100-125 mg/dL
  • A1C 5.7-6.4%

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Two abnormal fasting glucose tests
  • Concordant results across different tests

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as diabetes
  • Insufficient documentation of lab values

Coding Notes

  • Ensure lab results are documented to support prediabetes diagnosis.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Obesity

E66.9
Use if BMI is ≥30.

Oral hypoglycemic use

Z79.84
Use if patient is on oral hypoglycemics.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Type 2 diabetes with hyperglycemia

E11.65
Use only if diabetes diagnostic criteria are met.

Prediabetes

R73.03
Use R73.03 if prediabetes criteria are met.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Abnormal Glucose to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R73.03.

Impact

Clinical: Misdiagnosis risk, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Always document specific lab values.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records

Mitigation Strategy

Use R73.03 if diagnostic criteria are met.

Impact

Using incorrect codes for glucose levels can lead to audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure lab values are documented and match the coded diagnosis.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Abnormal Glucose, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Abnormal Glucose

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Abnormal Glucose. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Primary Care Evaluation

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • Fasting glucose level
  • A1C percentage
  • Patient history

Example Documentation

Patient presents with FPG 118 mg/dL and A1C 5.9%. Diagnosis: Prediabetes (R73.03).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has high glucose.
Good Documentation Example
Patient has FPG 118 mg/dL and A1C 5.9%, consistent with prediabetes.
Explanation
The good example provides specific lab values supporting the diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Abnormal Glucose? Ask your questions below.

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