ICD-10 Coding for Dehydration(E86.0, E86.2)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Dehydration. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Dehydration
E86Primary Range
Volume depletion
This range includes codes for dehydration and related conditions such as hypovolemia.
Disorders of fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance
Includes codes for electrolyte imbalances that may accompany dehydration, such as hypernatremia.
Other and unspecified noninfective gastroenteritis and colitis
Includes codes for gastroenteritis which can be a cause of dehydration.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| E86.0 | Dehydration | Use when dehydration is the primary condition being treated. |
|
| E86.2 | Dehydration due to diarrhea | Use when dehydration is specifically caused by diarrhea. |
|
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 dehydration
Essential facts and insights about Dehydration
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for dehydrated
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of clinical signs of dehydration
coding Criteria
- Dehydration is the primary condition treated
Applicable To
- General dehydration
Excludes
- Hypovolemia (E86.1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Dry mucous membranes
- Decreased skin turgor
- Elevated BUN/Creatinine ratio
Code-Specific Risks
- Misuse for minor fluid loss
- Confusion with hypovolemia
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation supports dehydration as the primary focus of treatment.
E86.2 - Dehydration due to diarrhea
Use when dehydration is specifically caused by diarrhea.
Applicable To
- Dehydration caused by diarrhea
Excludes
- Dehydration not due to diarrhea (E86.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented diarrhea
- Fluid loss
Coding Notes
Ensure diarrhea is documented as the cause of dehydration.
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 Dehydration to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E86.0.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document the underlying cause of dehydration.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data reporting.
Mitigation Strategy
Use E86.1 for hypovolemia instead.
Impact
Inadequate documentation of clinical signs and treatment.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure thorough documentation of all clinical indicators and treatment responses.
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 Dehydration, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Dehydration
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Dehydration. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Dehydration due to gastroenteritis
Specialty: GastroenterologyRequired Elements
- Clinical signs of dehydration
- Cause of dehydration
- Treatment response
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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