Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Elevated Potassium(E87.5, E87.72)

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

Also known as:

HyperkalemiaHigh Potassium

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Elevated Potassium

E87.5Primary Range

Disorders of electrolyte balance

Primary code for hyperkalemia, indicating elevated potassium levels.

Hyperkalemia due to missed dialysis

Used when hyperkalemia is specifically due to missed dialysis sessions.

Chronic kidney disease stages 3-5

Used when hyperkalemia is a complication of chronic kidney disease.

Hypertensive chronic kidney disease with stage 5 CKD or ESRD

Used when hyperkalemia is associated with hypertensive chronic kidney disease.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E87.5HyperkalemiaUse as primary when hyperkalemia is the main reason for admission or treatment.
  • Serum potassium level ≥5.1 mmol/L
  • Symptoms such as muscle weakness or ECG changes
E87.72Hyperkalemia due to missed dialysisUse when hyperkalemia is directly linked to missed dialysis.
  • Documentation of missed dialysis session
  • Serum potassium level ≥5.5 mmol/L

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 potassium

Essential facts and insights about Elevated Potassium

The ICD-10 code for elevated potassium is E87.5, used when clinical symptoms or ECG changes accompany elevated potassium levels.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for elevated potassium

Hyperkalemia
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of elevated potassium levels with clinical symptoms.

Applicable To

  • Elevated potassium

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Serum potassium level ≥5.1 mmol/L
  • Symptoms such as muscle weakness or ECG changes

Code-Specific Risks

  • Coding without documented symptoms or ECG changes

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes both lab values and clinical symptoms.

Ancillary Codes

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

Chronic kidney disease, stage 3

N18.3
Use when hyperkalemia is due to CKD stage 3.

Differential Codes

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

Hypokalemia

E87.6
Hypokalemia involves low potassium levels, opposite of hyperkalemia.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Elevated Potassium to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E87.5.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate representation of patient's condition., Regulatory: Potential audit issues., Financial: Incorrect DRG assignment.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify CKD stage if known.

Impact

Reimbursement: May result in denied claims if not properly documented., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes clinical symptoms or ECG findings.

Impact

Coding hyperkalemia without symptoms or ECG changes.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation includes clinical correlation.

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 Potassium, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Elevated Potassium

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

Nephrology Progress Note

Specialty: Nephrology

Required Elements

  • Symptoms
  • Lab results
  • ECG findings
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Hyperkalemia Evaluation: Symptoms: Weakness, Labs: K+ 6.3 mmol/L, ECG: Peaked T-waves, Treatment: Kayexalate.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
K+ high, adjust meds.
Good Documentation Example
K+ 6.5 mmol/L, ECG shows widened QRS, attributed to ACE inhibitor use in CKD stage 4. Start Kayexalate.
Explanation
The good example provides specific lab values, ECG findings, and a clear treatment plan.

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

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more