ICD-10 Coding for Elevated Triglycerides(E78.1, E78.2, E78.3)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Elevated Triglycerides. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Elevated Triglycerides
E78.0-E78.9Primary Range
Disorders of lipoprotein metabolism and other lipidemias
This range includes all disorders related to lipid metabolism, including elevated triglycerides.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| E78.1 | Pure hyperglyceridemia | Use when triglycerides are elevated without concurrent LDL/HDL abnormalities. |
|
| E78.2 | Mixed hyperlipidemia | Use when both triglycerides and cholesterol levels are elevated. |
|
| E78.3 | Hyperchylomicronemia | Use when triglycerides are extremely elevated, indicating chylomicronemia. |
|
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 triglycerides
Essential facts and insights about Elevated Triglycerides
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for elevated triglyceride
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Fasting triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL
documentation Criteria
- Documented fasting status
Applicable To
- Isolated elevated triglycerides
Excludes
- Mixed hyperlipidemia (E78.2)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Fasting triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL
- Two consecutive tests confirming elevated levels
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if fasting status is not documented
Coding Notes
- Ensure fasting status is documented to validate E78.1.
E78.2 - Mixed hyperlipidemia
Use when both triglycerides and cholesterol levels are elevated.
Applicable To
- Combined hyperlipidemia
Excludes
- Pure hyperglyceridemia (E78.1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Elevated triglycerides and cholesterol levels
- Lipid panel showing LDL/HDL abnormalities
Coding Notes
Ensure lipid panel results are documented.
E78.3 - Hyperchylomicronemia
Use when triglycerides are extremely elevated, indicating chylomicronemia.
Applicable To
- Triglycerides ≥1,000 mg/dL with chylomicronemia
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Triglycerides ≥1,000 mg/dL
- Risk of pancreatitis
Coding Notes
Document pancreatitis risk and genetic testing if applicable.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Family history of other endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases
Z83.49Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Elevated Triglycerides to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E78.1.
Impact
Clinical: Misclassification of lipid disorder severity., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Train staff on importance of fasting documentation, Implement checklist for lab orders
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials if fasting status is not documented., Compliance: Non-compliance with CMS guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on lipid disorders.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure fasting status is documented or use R79.89 if not fasting.
Impact
Reimbursement: Potential claim denials due to incomplete documentation., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate representation of lipid disorders.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure complete lipid panel is documented or use E78.9.
Impact
Lack of fasting status documentation can lead to audit findings.
Mitigation Strategy
Implement mandatory fasting status documentation in EHR.
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 Triglycerides, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Elevated Triglycerides
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Elevated Triglycerides. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Severe Hypertriglyceridemia
Specialty: EndocrinologyRequired Elements
- Fasting triglyceride levels
- Family history
- Secondary causes
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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