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ICD-10 Coding for Elevated Lactic Acid Level(E87.2, R74.02)

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

Also known as:

HyperlactatemiaLactic Acidosis

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Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Elevated Lactic Acid Level

E87.2Primary Range

Metabolic acidosis, including lactic acidosis

Primary code for lactic acidosis when not integral to another condition like sepsis.

R74.02

Elevated lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH)

Used for elevated LDH, not directly for lactic acidosis.

R89.8

Other abnormal findings of blood chemistry

Used when specific acidosis or organ dysfunction is not documented.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E87.2AcidosisUse when lactic acidosis is documented and not integral to another condition.
  • Lactate level ≥4.0 mmol/L
  • pH <7.35
R74.02Elevated lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH)Use when elevated LDH is documented without specific lactic acidosis.
  • Lab test confirming elevated LDH

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 lactic acid level

Essential facts and insights about Elevated Lactic Acid Level

The ICD-10 code for lactic acidosis is E87.2, applicable when lactic acidosis is documented and not integral to another condition.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for elevated lactic acid level

E87.2
Acidosis
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Lactate level ≥4.0 mmol/L with pH <7.35

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit documentation of lactic acidosis and underlying cause

Applicable To

  • Lactic acidosis

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Lactate level ≥4.0 mmol/L
  • pH <7.35

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding when lactic acidosis is integral to sepsis.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies lactic acidosis and its underlying cause.
View Full Code Details

Ancillary Codes

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

Other abnormal findings of blood chemistry

R89.8
Use when specific acidosis is not documented.

Differential Codes

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

Type 1 diabetes mellitus with ketoacidosis

E10.10
Use for diabetic ketoacidosis, not lactic acidosis.

Acidosis

E87.2
Use E87.2 for confirmed lactic acidosis, not just elevated LDH.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Elevated Lactic Acid Level to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E87.2.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate treatment planning, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Always link lactic acidosis to an underlying condition, Use templates to ensure complete documentation

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use E87.2 for lactic acidosis and R74.02 for elevated LDH.

Impact

Using E87.2 as a primary code when it should be secondary.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coders on proper sequencing rules.

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 Lactic Acid Level, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Elevated Lactic Acid Level

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

Emergency Department Note

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Chief Complaint
  • Assessment
  • Diagnosis

Example Documentation

[Chief Complaint]: Hypotension and altered mental status [Assessment]: - Serum lactate: 5.6 mmol/L (normal: 0.5-2.2) - ABG: pH 7.24, pCO2 32 mmHg - Diagnosis: Lactic acidosis (E87.2) secondary to hypovolemic shock from GI bleed (K92.2)

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
High lactate, possible infection.
Good Documentation Example
Lactate 4.3 mmol/L, pH 7.32 on VBG. Sepsis with lactic acidosis secondary to UTI (N39.0).
Explanation
The good example provides specific lab values and links the condition to an underlying cause.

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