ICD-10 Coding for Hyperuricemia(E79.0, E79.2, E79.4)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Hyperuricemia. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Hyperuricemia
E79.0-E79.4Primary Range
Disorders of purine and pyrimidine metabolism
This range includes specific codes for hyperuricemia with and without symptoms, as well as related conditions.
Other abnormal findings of blood chemistry
Used when hyperuricemia is suspected but not confirmed or when specific conditions are not documented.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| E79.0 | Hyperuricemia without signs of inflammatory arthritis and tophaceous disease | Use when hyperuricemia is documented without symptoms of gout or tophi. |
|
| E79.2 | Hyperuricemia with inflammatory arthritis | Use when hyperuricemia is accompanied by symptoms of inflammatory arthritis. |
|
| E79.4 | Asymptomatic hyperuricemia | Use when hyperuricemia is documented without any symptoms. |
|
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 hyperuricemia
Essential facts and insights about Hyperuricemia
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hyperuricemia
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Serum uric acid level without symptoms
Applicable To
- Asymptomatic hyperuricemia
Excludes
- Gout (M10.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Serum uric acid level ≥7 mg/dL in males or ≥6 mg/dL in females
- No evidence of arthritis or tophi
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly coding when gout symptoms are present
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies absence of symptoms.
E79.2 - Hyperuricemia with inflammatory arthritis
Use when hyperuricemia is accompanied by symptoms of inflammatory arthritis.
Applicable To
- Gouty arthritis
Excludes
- Tophaceous gout (E79.3)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Presence of synovial fluid monosodium urate crystals
- Serum uric acid level ≥7 mg/dL
Coding Notes
Confirm with clinical and laboratory findings.
E79.4 - Asymptomatic hyperuricemia
Use when hyperuricemia is documented without any symptoms.
Excludes
- Gout (M10.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Serum uric acid level ≥7 mg/dL in males or ≥6 mg/dL in females
- Explicit documentation of asymptomatic status
Coding Notes
Ensure asymptomatic status is clearly documented.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Other abnormal findings of blood chemistry
R79.9Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hyperuricemia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E79.0.
Impact
Clinical: Misdiagnosis of asymptomatic conditions, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential reimbursement issues
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure thorough patient history, Confirm absence of symptoms in documentation
Impact
Reimbursement: Potential claim denials for incorrect coding, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure synovial fluid analysis confirms gout before coding.
Impact
Failure to document asymptomatic status can lead to audit issues.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure clear documentation of symptom absence.
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 Hyperuricemia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Hyperuricemia
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Hyperuricemia. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Asymptomatic Hyperuricemia
Specialty: NephrologyRequired Elements
- Serum uric acid level
- Absence of symptoms
- Patient history
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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