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

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

Also known as:

HyperkalemiaElevated Potassium

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to High Potassium

E87.5Primary Range

Disorders of electrolyte balance

Primary code for hyperkalemia without specified underlying cause.

Hyperkalemia due to missed dialysis

Used when hyperkalemia is directly caused by missed dialysis sessions.

Hypertensive chronic kidney disease with stage 5 chronic kidney disease or end stage renal disease

Used when hyperkalemia is associated with hypertensive CKD.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E87.5HyperkalemiaUse when hyperkalemia is confirmed without a specified underlying cause.
  • Serum potassium level >5.0 mmol/L
  • ECG changes such as peaked T waves
E87.72Hyperkalemia due to missed dialysisUse when hyperkalemia is directly linked to missed dialysis sessions.
  • Missed dialysis session
  • Serum potassium level >5.0 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 high potassium

Essential facts and insights about High Potassium

The ICD-10 code for high potassium, or hyperkalemia, is E87.5. Use E87.72 for hyperkalemia due to missed dialysis.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for high potassium

Hyperkalemia
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Serum potassium >5.0 mmol/L with clinical symptoms or ECG changes.

Applicable To

  • Elevated potassium levels

Excludes

  • Hyperkalemia due to missed dialysis (E87.72)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Serum potassium level >5.0 mmol/L
  • ECG changes such as peaked T waves

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misuse without clinical confirmation
  • Incorrect use without ECG changes or symptoms

Coding Notes

  • Ensure clinical documentation supports hyperkalemia diagnosis.

Ancillary Codes

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

End stage renal disease

N18.6
Use alongside E87.5 if patient has ESRD.

Noncompliance with renal dialysis

Z91.15
Use to indicate noncompliance leading to hyperkalemia.

Differential Codes

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

Hyperkalemia due to missed dialysis

E87.72
Use when hyperkalemia is directly caused by missed dialysis.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting High 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: Misrepresentation of patient's clinical status., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify clinical symptoms or ECG changes., Ensure documentation supports the diagnosis.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential denial of claims due to lack of clinical evidence., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes clinical confirmation of hyperkalemia.

Impact

Coding hyperkalemia without clinical validation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes clinical symptoms or ECG changes.

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

Documentation Templates for High Potassium

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

Emergency Department Presentation

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Chief complaint
  • History of present illness
  • Physical examination findings
  • Laboratory results
  • ECG findings
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

72M with ESRD missed 2 dialysis sessions, presents with K+ 7.1, sine wave ECG pattern. Treated with calcium gluconate 1g IV, insulin/dextrose protocol. Final Dx: Life-threatening hyperkalemia (E87.5) complicating noncompliance with dialysis (Z91.15).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
K+ elevated at 6.2
Good Documentation Example
Hyperkalemia (K+ 6.5 mmol/L) confirmed via venous blood gas, ECG shows peaked T waves
Explanation
Good example provides clinical context and confirmation.

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

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