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ICD-10 Coding for Elevated Low-Density Lipoprotein(E78.01, E78.2)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Elevated Low-Density Lipoprotein. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

High LDLHypercholesterolemiaHigh Cholesterol

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Elevated Low-Density Lipoprotein

E78.0-E78.5Primary Range

Disorders of lipoprotein metabolism and other lipidemias

This range includes codes for various types of hyperlipidemia, including elevated LDL.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E78.01Familial hypercholesterolemiaUse when LDL is ≥190 mg/dL with a family history of premature ASCVD.
  • LDL ≥190 mg/dL
  • Family history of premature ASCVD or tendon xanthomas
E78.2Mixed hyperlipidemiaUse when both LDL and triglycerides are elevated.
  • LDL ≥160 mg/dL
  • 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 LDL

Essential facts and insights about Elevated Low-Density Lipoprotein

The ICD-10 code for elevated LDL with familial history is E78.01, while E78.2 is used for mixed hyperlipidemia.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for elevated low-density lipoprotein

Familial hypercholesterolemia
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • LDL ≥190 mg/dL with family history

Applicable To

  • LDL ≥190 mg/dL with family history of premature ASCVD

Excludes

  • Secondary hyperlipidemia due to hypothyroidism

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • LDL ≥190 mg/dL
  • Family history of premature ASCVD or tendon xanthomas

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using without familial history documentation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation of familial history and LDL levels.

Ancillary Codes

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

Family history of familial hypercholesterolemia

Z83.42
Use to document family history when coding E78.01.

Differential Codes

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

Pure hypercholesterolemia, unspecified

E78.00
Use E78.00 when LDL is elevated but lacks familial history.

Unspecified hyperlipidemia

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 Low-Density Lipoprotein to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E78.01.

Impact

Clinical: May affect treatment decisions, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Financial: Potential for claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Always ask about family history, Include in patient history documentation

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials, Compliance: Non-compliance with specificity requirements, Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of health records

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies the type of hyperlipidemia.

Impact

Risk of audits due to lack of specificity in coding

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports the most specific code possible.

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 Low-Density Lipoprotein, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Elevated Low-Density Lipoprotein

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Elevated Low-Density Lipoprotein. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Cardiology Progress Note

Specialty: Cardiology

Required Elements

  • LDL levels
  • Family history
  • Exclusion of secondary causes

Example Documentation

**Assessment**: Pure hypercholesterolemia (LDL 210 mg/dL, no secondary causes). **Plan**: Initiate statin therapy.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
High cholesterol, start statin.
Good Documentation Example
Primary hypercholesterolemia (LDL 205 mg/dL, familial history negative, TSH normal). Start atorvastatin 40 mg daily, reassess LDL in 90 days.
Explanation
The good example provides specific LDL levels and excludes secondary causes.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Elevated Low-Density Lipoprotein? Ask your questions below.

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