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ICD-10 Coding for Elevated Cholesterol Level(E78.00, E78.01, E78.2)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Elevated Cholesterol Level. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

HypercholesterolemiaHigh Cholesterol

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Elevated Cholesterol Level

E78.0-E78.5Primary Range

Disorders of lipoprotein metabolism and other lipidemias

This range includes codes for different types of hyperlipidemia, including pure hypercholesterolemia and mixed hyperlipidemia.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E78.00Pure hypercholesterolemia, unspecifiedUse when LDL is elevated but triglycerides are normal.
  • LDL ≥190 mg/dL without elevated triglycerides
E78.01Familial hypercholesterolemiaUse when familial hypercholesterolemia is confirmed by genetic testing or family history.
  • LDL ≥190 mg/dL with family history or genetic confirmation
E78.2Mixed hyperlipidemiaUse when both LDL and triglycerides are elevated.
  • LDL ≥160 mg/dL and triglycerides ≥175 mg/dL

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 cholesterol

Essential facts and insights about Elevated Cholesterol Level

The ICD-10 code for elevated cholesterol is E78.00 for pure hypercholesterolemia and E78.2 for mixed hyperlipidemia.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for elevated cholesterol level

Pure hypercholesterolemia, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • LDL ≥190 mg/dL without elevated triglycerides

Applicable To

  • Isolated elevated LDL

Excludes

  • Hyperlipidemia, unspecified (E78.5)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • LDL ≥190 mg/dL without elevated triglycerides

Code-Specific Risks

  • Using this code without specifying LDL levels can lead to denials.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure LDL levels are documented to support this code.

Ancillary Codes

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

Atherosclerosis of coronary artery without angina

I25.10
Use when atherosclerosis is secondary to hyperlipidemia.

Differential Codes

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

Hyperlipidemia, unspecified

E78.5
Use E78.5 only when specific lipid abnormalities are not documented.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Elevated Cholesterol Level to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E78.00.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document specific lipid levels., Use specific codes when lipid levels are known.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases specificity of health data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes like E78.00 or E78.2 when lipid levels are known.

Impact

Using E78.5 when specific lipid levels are documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure specific lipid levels are documented and use specific 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 Cholesterol Level, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Elevated Cholesterol Level

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Elevated Cholesterol Level. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Primary Care Visit for Hyperlipidemia

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • Lipid panel results
  • Family history
  • Physical examination findings

Example Documentation

Patient presents with LDL 210 mg/dL and triglycerides 400 mg/dL. Family history of hyperlipidemia noted.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Elevated cholesterol.
Good Documentation Example
Mixed hyperlipidemia with LDL 210 mg/dL and triglycerides 400 mg/dL.
Explanation
The good example provides specific lipid levels and type of hyperlipidemia.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Elevated Cholesterol Level? Ask your questions below.

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