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ICD-10 Coding for Hypocalcemia(E83.51, E20.810)

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

Also known as:

Calcium deficiencyLow blood calcium

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Hypocalcemia

E83.5Primary Range

Disorders of calcium metabolism

This range includes codes for various calcium metabolism disorders, with E83.51 specifically for hypocalcemia.

Other hypoparathyroidism

This range includes codes for hypoparathyroidism, which can lead to hypocalcemia.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E83.51HypocalcemiaUse when hypocalcemia is present without a more specific underlying cause like hypoparathyroidism.
  • Total calcium ≤ 8.5 mg/dL or ionized calcium ≤ 4.6 mg/dL
  • Symptoms such as neuromuscular irritability or prolonged QT interval
E20.810Autosomal dominant hypocalcemiaUse when hypocalcemia is confirmed to be genetic in origin.
  • Genetic testing confirming autosomal dominant hypocalcemia

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 hypocalcemia

Essential facts and insights about Hypocalcemia

The ICD-10 code for hypocalcemia is E83.51, used for general cases of low calcium levels in the blood.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hypocalcemia

Hypocalcemia
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of low calcium levels with symptoms

Applicable To

  • Symptomatic hypocalcemia
  • Severe hypocalcemia

Excludes

  • Hypoparathyroidism-related hypocalcemia (E20.81X)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Total calcium ≤ 8.5 mg/dL or ionized calcium ≤ 4.6 mg/dL
  • Symptoms such as neuromuscular irritability or prolonged QT interval

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if underlying cause is not identified

Coding Notes

  • Ensure to document calcium levels and symptoms clearly.

Ancillary Codes

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

Chronic kidney disease, unspecified

N18.9
Use when CKD is the underlying cause of hypocalcemia.

Differential Codes

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

Hypoparathyroidism

E20.81X
Use when hypocalcemia is due to impaired PTH secretion.

Hypocalcemia

E83.51
Use E83.51 for general hypocalcemia without genetic confirmation.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hypocalcemia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E83.51.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates to ensure all symptoms are documented., Regular training on documentation standards.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment and reimbursement issues., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Identify and code the underlying condition first, such as CKD or hypoparathyroidism.

Impact

Failure to sequence underlying conditions first.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coders on sequencing rules and use of templates.

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

Documentation Templates for Hypocalcemia

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

Hypocalcemia due to CKD

Specialty: Nephrology

Required Elements

  • Calcium levels
  • CKD stage
  • Symptoms
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient with CKD stage 3 presents with ionized calcium 0.8 mmol/L and prolonged QT interval. Treatment initiated with calcium supplements.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Low calcium noted.
Good Documentation Example
Ionized calcium 0.8 mmol/L with CKD stage 3. Symptoms include prolonged QT interval.
Explanation
The good example provides specific lab values, underlying condition, and symptoms.

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

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