ICD-10 Coding for Acute Metabolic Acidosis(E87.21)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Acute Metabolic Acidosis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Acute Metabolic Acidosis
E87.2-E87.29Primary Range
Disorders of acid-base balance
This range includes codes for various types of acidosis, including acute metabolic acidosis.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for acute metabolic acidosis
Essential facts and insights about Acute Metabolic Acidosis
Primary ICD-10-CM Code for acute metabolic acidosis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of acute symptoms and lab results indicating acidosis
coding Criteria
- Acidosis not integral to another condition like DKA
Applicable To
- Lactic acidosis
- Elevated anion gap acidosis
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Arterial pH <7.35
- Serum HCO3 <22 mEq/L
- Lactate ≥4 mmol/L
- Anion gap >12 mEq/L
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly coding when acidosis is part of another condition
- Failing to specify acute vs. chronic
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies 'acute' and includes lab results to support coding.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Septic shock
R65.21Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Acute Metabolic 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: Leads to incorrect treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation specifies acuity., Use templates that prompt for acuity.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Use E10.10 only as DKA includes acidosis.
Impact
Using E87.21 when acidosis is part of another condition.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation supports separate coding of acidosis.
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 Acute Metabolic Acidosis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Acute Metabolic Acidosis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Acute Metabolic Acidosis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Emergency Department Admission
Specialty: Emergency MedicineRequired Elements
- pH level
- HCO3 level
- Anion gap
- Lactate level
- Etiology
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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