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

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

Also known as:

High potassiumElevated potassium levels

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Hyperkalemia

E87.5Primary Range

Disorders of potassium metabolism

This range includes hyperkalemia, which is the primary condition of interest.

Other fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance disorders

Includes specific conditions like hyperkalemia due to missed dialysis.

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

Used when hyperkalemia is associated with hypertensive CKD.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with other specified kidney complication

Relevant when hyperkalemia is due to diabetic kidney complications.

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 by lab and clinical findings.
  • Serum potassium level ≥5.5 mmol/L
  • ECG changes such as peaked T-waves
E87.72Hyperkalemia due to missed dialysisUse when hyperkalemia is directly linked to a missed dialysis session.
  • Documentation of missed dialysis session
  • Serum potassium level ≥6.0 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 hyperkalemia

Essential facts and insights about Hyperkalemia

The ICD-10 code for hyperkalemia is E87.5, used when hyperkalemia is confirmed by clinical documentation.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of serum potassium ≥5.5 mmol/L with symptoms or ECG changes.

documentation Criteria

  • Clinician documentation confirming hyperkalemia.

Applicable To

  • High potassium levels

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Serum potassium level ≥5.5 mmol/L
  • ECG changes such as peaked T-waves

Code-Specific Risks

  • Coding based solely on lab values without clinical confirmation.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure clinical documentation supports the diagnosis of hyperkalemia beyond lab values.

Ancillary Codes

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

Hypertensive CKD with ESRD

I12.0
Use when hyperkalemia is due to hypertensive CKD.

Hyperkalemia due to missed dialysis

E87.72
Use when hyperkalemia is specifically due to missed dialysis sessions.

Differential Codes

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

Hypokalemia

E87.6
Hypokalemia is characterized by low potassium levels, opposite to hyperkalemia.

Hyperkalemia

E87.5
General hyperkalemia not specifically due to missed dialysis.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hyperkalemia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E87.5.

Impact

Clinical: Incomplete clinical assessment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always assess and document underlying conditions., Use appropriate codes for related conditions.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to denied claims if not properly documented., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure clinician documentation confirms hyperkalemia.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential underpayment due to incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Failure to follow ICD-10 sequencing rules., Data Quality: Incomplete clinical picture.

Mitigation Strategy

Document and code CKD when it contributes to hyperkalemia.

Impact

Risk of coding errors due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement thorough documentation practices and regular audits.

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

Documentation Templates for Hyperkalemia

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

Nephrology consultation for hyperkalemia

Specialty: Nephrology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Current medications
  • Lab results
  • ECG findings
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with K+ 6.3 mmol/L, ECG shows peaked T-waves. Managed with calcium gluconate and insulin.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
K+ 6.0, no further details.
Good Documentation Example
Hyperkalemia (K+ 6.3 mmol/L) confirmed with ECG changes. Treated with calcium gluconate.
Explanation
Good example includes clinical confirmation and treatment details.

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

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