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ICD-10 Coding for Hyperglyceridemia(E78.1, E78.5)

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

Also known as:

Elevated triglyceridesPure hyperglyceridemia

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Hyperglyceridemia

E78.0-E78.9Primary Range

Disorders of lipoprotein metabolism and other lipidemias

This range includes all codes related to lipid metabolism disorders, including hyperglyceridemia.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E78.1Pure hyperglyceridemiaUse when triglycerides are elevated without significant cholesterol increase.
  • Fasting triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL
  • LDL within normal limits
E78.5Unspecified hyperlipidemiaUse when documentation is vague and does not specify triglyceride or cholesterol levels.
  • General term 'hyperlipidemia' without specific triglyceride or cholesterol levels.

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 hyperglyceridemia

Essential facts and insights about Hyperglyceridemia

The ICD-10 code for pure hyperglyceridemia is E78.1, used for isolated triglyceride elevation without significant cholesterol increase.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hyperglyceridemia

Pure hyperglyceridemia
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Fasting triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL with normal LDL levels.

documentation Criteria

  • Documented as 'pure hyperglyceridemia' or 'isolated triglyceride elevation'.

Applicable To

  • Isolated triglyceride elevation

Excludes

  • Mixed hyperlipidemia (E78.2)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Fasting triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL
  • LDL within normal limits

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using E78.5 when specific triglyceride elevation is documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'pure hyperglyceridemia' or 'isolated triglyceride elevation'.

Ancillary Codes

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

Type 2 diabetes mellitus without complications

E11.9
Use if diabetes is present and contributes to hyperglyceridemia.

Long-term (current) use of insulin

Z79.4
Use if patient is on long-term lipid-lowering therapy.

Differential Codes

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

Mixed hyperlipidemia

E78.2
Use when both triglycerides and cholesterol are elevated.

Pure hyperglyceridemia

E78.1
Use when triglycerides are specifically elevated.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hyperglyceridemia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E78.1.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on importance of specific documentation., Use templates to ensure completeness.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement if specific conditions are not coded., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies 'pure hyperglyceridemia' and use E78.1.

Impact

Audits may target vague documentation of lipid disorders.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all lipid panels are attached to claims and documentation is specific.

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

Documentation Templates for Hyperglyceridemia

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

Primary Care Follow-up

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • Fasting triglyceride levels
  • LDL levels
  • Associated conditions (e.g., diabetes)

Example Documentation

Patient presents with triglycerides 450 mg/dL, LDL 130 mg/dL. Diagnosis: Pure hyperglyceridemia (E78.1).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has high lipids.
Good Documentation Example
Patient has fasting triglycerides 520 mg/dL, LDL 130 mg/dL. Diagnosis: Pure hyperglyceridemia (E78.1).
Explanation
The good example provides specific lab values and a clear diagnosis.

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

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