ICD-10 Coding for Electrolyte Abnormalities(E87.0, E87.1, E87.5, E87.6)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Electrolyte Abnormalities. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Electrolyte Abnormalities
E87Primary Range
Disorders of fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance
This range includes all primary codes for electrolyte abnormalities, covering specific conditions like hypernatremia, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, and hypokalemia.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| E87.0 | Hyperosmolality and hypernatremia | Use when hypernatremia is documented and dehydration is not separately coded. |
|
| E87.1 | Hypo-osmolality and hyponatremia | Use when hyponatremia is documented and not due to SIADH. |
|
| E87.5 | Hyperkalemia | Use when hyperkalemia is documented and treatment is initiated. |
|
| E87.6 | Hypokalemia | Use when hypokalemia is documented and treatment is initiated. |
|
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 electrolyte abnormalities
Essential facts and insights about Electrolyte Abnormalities
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for electrolyte abnormalities
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Serum sodium >145 mEq/L with clinical symptoms
documentation Criteria
- Provider documentation of hypernatremia
Applicable To
- Hypernatremia
Excludes
- Dehydration (E86.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Serum sodium >145 mEq/L
- Documented diagnosis of hypernatremia
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly coding dehydration separately
Coding Notes
- Ensure hypernatremia is documented explicitly by the provider.
E87.1 - Hypo-osmolality and hyponatremia
Use when hyponatremia is documented and not due to SIADH.
Applicable To
- Hyponatremia
Excludes
- SIADH (E22.2)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Serum sodium <135 mEq/L
- Documented diagnosis of hyponatremia
Coding Notes
Ensure hyponatremia is documented explicitly by the provider.
E87.5 - Hyperkalemia
Use when hyperkalemia is documented and treatment is initiated.
Applicable To
- Elevated potassium levels
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Serum potassium >5.2 mEq/L
- Documented diagnosis of hyperkalemia
Coding Notes
Ensure hyperkalemia is documented explicitly by the provider.
E87.6 - Hypokalemia
Use when hypokalemia is documented and treatment is initiated.
Applicable To
- Low potassium levels
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Serum potassium <3.5 mEq/L
- Documented diagnosis of hypokalemia
Coding Notes
Ensure hypokalemia is documented explicitly by the provider.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Electrolyte Abnormalities to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E87.0.
Impact
Clinical: Leads to misinterpretation of patient condition., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Educate providers on proper documentation, Implement EHR alerts for incomplete notes
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Violates ICD-10 sequencing rules., Data Quality: Leads to inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Code only hypernatremia (E87.0) when both are present.
Impact
Reimbursement: Claims may be denied if documentation is insufficient., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure provider documentation supports the diagnosis.
Impact
High risk of audit findings if documentation does not support coded conditions.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure provider documentation explicitly states the 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 Electrolyte Abnormalities, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Electrolyte Abnormalities
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Electrolyte Abnormalities. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Electrolyte Imbalance in Hospitalized Patients
Specialty: Internal MedicineRequired Elements
- Diagnosis
- Lab results
- Treatment plan
- Follow-up
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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