ICD-10 Coding for Elevated Uric Acid(E79.0, E79.2, R79.9)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Elevated Uric Acid. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Elevated Uric Acid
E79.0-E79.4Primary Range
Disorders of purine and pyrimidine metabolism
This range includes codes for hyperuricemia with and without symptoms, and related conditions.
Abnormal findings of blood chemistry, unspecified
Used for unspecified abnormal blood findings when hyperuricemia is not confirmed.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| E79.0 | Hyperuricemia without signs of inflammatory arthritis and tophaceous disease | Use when elevated uric acid is present without symptoms of gout or tophi. |
|
| E79.2 | Hyperuricemia with inflammatory arthritis | Use when hyperuricemia is associated with inflammatory arthritis. |
|
| R79.9 | Abnormal findings of blood chemistry, unspecified | Use when elevated uric acid is noted but not confirmed as hyperuricemia. |
|
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 uric acid
Essential facts and insights about Elevated Uric Acid
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for elevated uric acid
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Uric acid levels above threshold without symptoms
Applicable To
- Asymptomatic hyperuricemia
Excludes
- Gout (M10.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Uric acid levels >7.0 mg/dL in men or >6.0 mg/dL in women without joint symptoms
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if symptoms of gout are present.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies absence of gout symptoms.
E79.2 - Hyperuricemia with inflammatory arthritis
Use when hyperuricemia is associated with inflammatory arthritis.
Applicable To
- Gouty arthritis
Excludes
- Tophaceous gout (E79.3)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Presence of synovitis and urate crystals on joint aspiration
Coding Notes
Document joint involvement and confirmatory tests.
R79.9 - Abnormal findings of blood chemistry, unspecified
Use when elevated uric acid is noted but not confirmed as hyperuricemia.
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Abnormal uric acid levels without a confirmed diagnosis
Coding Notes
Ensure lack of confirmation is documented.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Elevated Uric Acid to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E79.0.
Impact
Clinical: Misrepresentation of patient's condition., Regulatory: Potential audit issues., Financial: Claim denials due to incorrect coding.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document symptom status, Review lab results before coding
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Use M1A.xxx for gout symptoms and E79.2 if inflammatory arthritis is present.
Impact
Using E79.0 when symptoms of gout are present.
Mitigation Strategy
Verify symptom documentation before coding.
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 Uric Acid, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Elevated Uric Acid
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Elevated Uric Acid. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Asymptomatic hyperuricemia
Specialty: Primary CareRequired Elements
- Patient demographics
- Uric acid levels
- Absence of joint symptoms
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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