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ICD-10 Coding for Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis(E87.29, E87.22)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

AGMAHigh Anion Gap Acidosis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis

E87.20-E87.29Primary Range

Metabolic acidosis codes

This range includes codes for different types of metabolic acidosis, including anion gap metabolic acidosis.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E87.29Other acidosisUse when anion gap is elevated (>12) and specific etiology is documented.
  • Anion gap >12
  • pH <7.35
  • HCO3- <22
  • + 1 more
E87.22Chronic metabolic acidosisUse for chronic conditions like CKD with persistent elevated anion gap.
  • Chronic anion gap >12 for more than 3 months

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 anion gap metabolic acidosis

Essential facts and insights about Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis

The ICD-10 code for anion gap metabolic acidosis is E87.29, applicable when the anion gap is elevated and a specific cause is documented.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for anion gap metabolic acidosis

Other acidosis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Anion gap >12 with documented etiology.

coding Criteria

  • Do not use if DKA is the primary diagnosis.

Applicable To

  • Anion gap metabolic acidosis

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Anion gap >12
  • pH <7.35
  • HCO3- <22
  • Documented underlying cause

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding when the cause is specified elsewhere, such as DKA.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes specific lab values and underlying causes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Other specified abnormal findings of blood chemistry

R79.89
Use for elevated lactate levels (>2 mmol/L) when relevant.

Differential Codes

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

Unspecified metabolic acidosis

E87.20
Use when anion gap is not specified or documented.

Other acidosis

E87.29
Use E87.29 for acute presentations.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E87.29.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis representation., Regulatory: Potential audit issues., Financial: Incorrect reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates that prompt for specific lab values., Educate staff on documentation requirements.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use E10.10 for DKA instead.

Impact

Risk of incomplete documentation leading to incorrect coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement thorough documentation templates and training.

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 Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Emergency Department Presentation

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Anion gap calculation
  • Underlying cause
  • Lab results

Example Documentation

Anion gap elevated at 18 (Na 140, Cl 100, CO2 12) with serum lactate 4.2 mmol/L indicating lactic acidosis.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Metabolic acidosis present.
Good Documentation Example
Anion gap 18 (Na 140, Cl 100, CO2 12) with lactate 4.2 mmol/L.
Explanation
The good example provides specific lab values and identifies the cause.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis? Ask your questions below.

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