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ICD-10 Coding for Hyperammonemia(E72.4, P74.6, K76.82)

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

Also known as:

Ammonia ToxicityElevated Ammonia Levels

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Hyperammonemia

E72.2-E72.4Primary Range

Disorders of urea cycle metabolism

Includes specific disorders related to hyperammonemia due to urea cycle defects.

Transitory hyperammonemia of newborn

Specific to neonatal cases of transient hyperammonemia.

Hepatic encephalopathy

Used when hyperammonemia is due to liver dysfunction.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E72.4Disorders of ornithine metabolismUse when there is confirmed ornithine metabolism disorder with hyperammonemia.
  • Genetic confirmation of ornithine transporter defect
  • Elevated ammonia levels
P74.6Transitory hyperammonemia of newbornUse for newborns with transient hyperammonemia resolving within 7 days.
  • Neonatal onset with ammonia >80 µmol/L
K76.82Hepatic encephalopathyUse when hyperammonemia is due to liver dysfunction.
  • Liver disease with altered mental status and elevated ammonia

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 hyperammonemia

Essential facts and insights about Hyperammonemia

The ICD-10 code for hyperammonemia varies by cause: E72.4 for ornithine metabolism disorders, P74.6 for neonatal cases.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hyperammonemia

Disorders of ornithine metabolism
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed genetic defect in ornithine metabolism.

Applicable To

  • HHH syndrome

Excludes

  • Other urea cycle disorders (E72.29)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Genetic confirmation of ornithine transporter defect
  • Elevated ammonia levels

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if genetic testing is not documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure genetic testing is documented for accurate coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Hepatic encephalopathy

K76.82
Use when hyperammonemia is due to liver disease.

Differential Codes

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

Other urea cycle disorders

E72.29
Use when specific enzyme deficiency is not identified.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hyperammonemia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E72.4.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis and treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential reimbursement issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure lab results are included in documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: May affect DRG assignment and reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure genetic or biochemical confirmation is documented.

Impact

Using E72.20 instead of specific codes.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure genetic testing is documented.

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

Documentation Templates for Hyperammonemia

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

Neonatal hyperammonemia

Specialty: Pediatrics

Required Elements

  • Neonatal onset
  • Ammonia levels
  • Resolution timeline

Example Documentation

34-week preterm with ammonia = 95 µmol/L at 24h life, normalized by day 5 with protein restriction.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Elevated ammonia in newborn.
Good Documentation Example
Transient hyperammonemia in 34-week preterm, ammonia = 95 µmol/L, resolved by day 5.
Explanation
Specifies onset, ammonia level, and resolution, supporting P74.6 coding.

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

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