ICD-10 Coding for Electrolyte Imbalance(E87.0, E87.5, E87.6)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Electrolyte Imbalance. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Electrolyte Imbalance
E87.0-E87.9Primary Range
Disorders of fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance
This range includes specific electrolyte disorders such as hypernatremia, hypokalemia, and others.
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 the primary diagnosis. |
|
| E87.5 | Hyperkalemia | Use when hyperkalemia is the primary diagnosis. |
|
| E87.6 | Hypokalemia | Use when hypokalemia is the primary diagnosis. |
|
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 imbalance
Essential facts and insights about Electrolyte Imbalance
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for electrolyte imbalance
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Serum sodium >145 mEq/L with clinical symptoms.
Applicable To
- Hypernatremia
Excludes
- Dehydration (E86.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Serum sodium >145 mEq/L
Code-Specific Risks
- Ensure documentation links hypernatremia to any underlying causes.
Coding Notes
- Document serum sodium levels and any related symptoms.
E87.5 - Hyperkalemia
Use when hyperkalemia is the primary diagnosis.
Applicable To
- Elevated potassium level
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Serum potassium >5.0 mEq/L
- EKG changes such as peaked T waves
Coding Notes
Document serum potassium levels and any related symptoms.
E87.6 - Hypokalemia
Use when hypokalemia is the primary diagnosis.
Applicable To
- Low potassium level
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Serum potassium <3.5 mEq/L
- Symptoms such as muscle cramps or arrhythmias
Coding Notes
Document serum potassium levels and any related symptoms.
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 Imbalance 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 vague clinical records., Regulatory: Increases risk of audits., Financial: May result in denied claims.
Mitigation Strategy
Train staff to document specific electrolytes., Use templates that prompt for detailed information.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment and reimbursement., Compliance: Could result in coding audits and compliance issues., Data Quality: Affects the accuracy of clinical data and patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document and code the specific electrolyte imbalance.
Impact
Risk of audits due to non-specific documentation of electrolyte imbalances.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all electrolyte disorders are documented with specific lab values and symptoms.
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 Imbalance, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Electrolyte Imbalance
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Electrolyte Imbalance. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Patient with hypokalemia due to diuretics
Specialty: Internal MedicineRequired Elements
- Specific electrolyte disorder
- Lab values
- Symptoms
- Etiology
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
Need help with ICD-10 coding for Electrolyte Imbalance? Ask your questions below.