Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Hyperlactatemia(R74.02, R89.8, E87.2)

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

Also known as:

Elevated Lactate LevelsLactic Acidosis (when severe)

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Hyperlactatemia

Abnormal findings on examination of blood, without diagnosis

Includes codes for abnormal blood chemistry findings, such as elevated lactate levels.

E87Primary Range

Disorders of fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance

Includes metabolic acidosis, which can encompass severe hyperlactatemia.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
R74.02Elevated LDHUse when LDH levels are elevated without mention of lactate.
  • LDH > 280 U/L (adults)
R89.8Other abnormal findings of blood chemistryUse for elevated lactate levels without acidosis.
  • Lactate ≥2 mmol/L
E87.2AcidosisUse for metabolic acidosis with elevated lactate.
  • Lactate ≥4 mmol/L
  • pH <7.35

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 hyperlactatemia

Essential facts and insights about Hyperlactatemia

The ICD-10 code for hyperlactatemia is R89.8, used for elevated lactate levels without acidosis.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hyperlactatemia

Elevated LDH
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • LDH levels must be documented as elevated.

Applicable To

  • LDHemia

Excludes

  • Hyperlactatemia without LDH elevation

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • LDH > 280 U/L (adults)

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misuse for elevated lactate without LDH elevation.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies LDH elevation.

Differential Codes

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

Other abnormal findings of blood chemistry

R89.8
Use R89.8 for elevated lactate without elevated LDH.

Acidosis

E87.2
Use E87.2 when lactate is ≥4 mmol/L with pH <7.35.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hyperlactatemia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R74.02.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate clinical assessment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure lab results are included in documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use R89.8 for elevated lactate without LDH elevation.

Impact

Failure to document specific lactate levels can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement routine checks for lab result documentation.

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

Documentation Templates for Hyperlactatemia

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

ICU Admission for Septic Shock

Specialty: Critical Care

Required Elements

  • Lactate levels
  • pH levels
  • Underlying cause

Example Documentation

Patient presents with septic shock. Lactate 5.2 mmol/L, pH 7.29. Etiology: E. coli sepsis.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
High lactate due to infection.
Good Documentation Example
Lactate 4.5 mmol/L due to E. coli UTI, treated with antibiotics.
Explanation
The good example specifies lactate level and causal link.

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

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more