ICD-10 Coding for Elevated Ammonia Levels(E72.20, E72.29, P74.6)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Elevated Ammonia Levels. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Elevated Ammonia Levels
E72.20-E72.29Primary Range
Disorders of urea cycle metabolism
These codes cover various urea cycle disorders which are primary causes of hyperammonemia.
Transitory hyperammonemia of newborn
This code is specific for transient hyperammonemia in newborns.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| E72.20 | Disorder of urea cycle metabolism, unspecified | Use when hyperammonemia is confirmed but specific enzyme deficiency is not identified. |
|
| E72.29 | Other disorders of urea cycle metabolism | Use for specific enzyme deficiencies like citrullinemia or OTC deficiency. |
|
| P74.6 | Transitory hyperammonemia of newborn | Use only for neonates with transient hyperammonemia unrelated to inherited metabolic disorders. |
|
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 elevated ammonia
Essential facts and insights about Elevated Ammonia Levels
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for elevated ammonia
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Elevated ammonia with neurological symptoms and normal LFTs.
coding Criteria
- No specific enzyme deficiency identified.
Applicable To
- Unspecified urea cycle disorder
Excludes
- Specific urea cycle enzyme deficiencies
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Elevated ammonia levels
- Neurological symptoms
- Normal liver function tests
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of using this code when a more specific enzyme deficiency is documented.
Coding Notes
- Ensure to document the absence of specific enzyme deficiencies when using E72.20.
E72.29 - Other disorders of urea cycle metabolism
Use for specific enzyme deficiencies like citrullinemia or OTC deficiency.
Applicable To
- Citrullinemia
- Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency
Excludes
- Unspecified urea cycle disorders
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Genetic testing confirming specific enzyme deficiency
Coding Notes
Document genetic testing results to support this code.
P74.6 - Transitory hyperammonemia of newborn
Use only for neonates with transient hyperammonemia unrelated to inherited metabolic disorders.
Applicable To
- Transient hyperammonemia in neonates
Excludes
- Inherited metabolic disorders
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Neonatal onset
- Resolution without long-term treatment
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies neonatal onset and resolution.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Other specified abnormal findings of blood chemistry
R79.89Differential 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 Elevated Ammonia Levels to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E72.20.
Impact
Clinical: Leads to incomplete clinical picture., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document the underlying cause., Use specific codes where applicable.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to reimbursement issues., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Impacts accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific codes like E72.23 for citrullinemia when documented.
Impact
High risk of audit if E72.20 is used without clinical correlation.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation supports the use of unspecified codes.
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 Elevated Ammonia Levels, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Elevated Ammonia Levels
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Elevated Ammonia Levels. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Adult with Hepatic Encephalopathy
Specialty: GastroenterologyRequired Elements
- Patient information
- Ammonia level with reference range
- Symptoms
- Underlying liver condition
- Treatment response
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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