ICD-10 Coding for Acidosis(E87.21, E87.22, E87.20)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Acidosis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Acidosis
E87.2Primary Range
Metabolic disorders
This range includes codes for different types of metabolic acidosis, which are critical for accurate diagnosis and treatment documentation.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| E87.21 | Acute metabolic acidosis | Use when acute metabolic acidosis is documented with specific lab values indicating severity. |
|
| E87.22 | Chronic metabolic acidosis | Use when chronic metabolic acidosis is documented with persistent lab findings. |
|
| E87.20 | Metabolic acidosis, unspecified | Use when documentation lacks specificity for acute or chronic acidosis. |
|
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 acute metabolic acidosis
Essential facts and insights about Acidosis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for acidosis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of acute symptoms and lab values indicating metabolic acidosis.
coding Criteria
- Sequence after the underlying cause.
Applicable To
- Lactic acidosis
- Acute acidemia
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Lactate >4 mmol/L
- AGAP >12
- pH <7.35
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification with chronic acidosis
- Incorrect sequencing with underlying conditions
Coding Notes
- Ensure acute vs. chronic distinction is clear in documentation.
E87.22 - Chronic metabolic acidosis
Use when chronic metabolic acidosis is documented with persistent lab findings.
Applicable To
- Chronic acidemia
Excludes
- Acute metabolic acidosis (E87.21)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Bicarbonate <22 mEq/L over 3 months
- Stable AGAP 10-12
Coding Notes
Document chronicity and underlying conditions clearly.
E87.20 - Metabolic acidosis, unspecified
Use when documentation lacks specificity for acute or chronic acidosis.
Applicable To
- Unspecified acidemia
Excludes
- Specific types of acidosis (E87.21, E87.22)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- pH <7.35 without specific lab values
Coding Notes
Use only when no further specificity is possible.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Acidosis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E87.21.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Increased audit risk., Financial: Potential for denied claims.
Mitigation Strategy
Educate clinicians on documentation specificity, Use templates for consistent documentation
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Do not code acidosis separately when DKA is present.
Impact
Reimbursement: May affect DRG assignment and reimbursement., Compliance: Potential audit risk., Data Quality: Lowers specificity of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation specifies acute or chronic nature.
Impact
Risk of using unspecified codes due to vague documentation.
Mitigation Strategy
Implement documentation training and use of templates.
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 Acidosis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Acidosis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Acidosis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Acute metabolic acidosis in sepsis
Specialty: Internal MedicineRequired Elements
- Underlying condition
- Lab values (lactate, AGAP, pH)
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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