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ICD-10 Coding for Hypoventilation Syndrome(E66.2, G47.36)

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

Also known as:

Obesity Hypoventilation SyndromePickwickian Syndrome

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Hypoventilation Syndrome

E66-E66.9Primary Range

Obesity and other hyperalimentation

Includes codes for obesity-related conditions, including hypoventilation due to obesity.

Sleep disorders

Includes codes for sleep-related breathing disorders, including hypoventilation.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E66.2Morbid obesity with alveolar hypoventilationUse when hypoventilation is directly caused by obesity.
  • BMI ≥30
  • PaCO₂ ≥45 mmHg
  • Exclusion of other causes like COPD
G47.36Sleep-related hypoventilation in conditions classified elsewhereUse when hypoventilation is due to a neuromuscular or structural disorder.
  • PSG showing hypoventilation
  • Confirmed neuromuscular diagnosis

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 hypoventilation syndrome

Essential facts and insights about Hypoventilation Syndrome

The ICD-10 code for obesity hypoventilation syndrome is E66.2, while G47.36 is used for sleep-related hypoventilation.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hypoventilation syndrome

Morbid obesity with alveolar hypoventilation
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • BMI ≥30 and PaCO₂ ≥45 mmHg

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of 'morbid obesity'

Applicable To

  • Obesity hypoventilation syndrome
  • Pickwickian syndrome

Excludes

  • Obstructive sleep apnea (G47.33)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • BMI ≥30
  • PaCO₂ ≥45 mmHg
  • Exclusion of other causes like COPD

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect use without explicit documentation of 'morbid obesity'.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation explicitly states 'morbid obesity'.

Ancillary Codes

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

Body mass index (BMI) 45.0-49.9, adult

Z68.42
Use to specify BMI when coding E66.2.

Differential Codes

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

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, unspecified

J44.9
Use when FEV1/FVC <70% and smoking history is present.

Central sleep apnea

G47.30
Use when central apneas are confirmed on PSG.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hypoventilation Syndrome to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E66.2.

Impact

Clinical: Misclassification of patient condition., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding rules., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on documentation standards., Use templates that prompt for 'morbid obesity'.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to denied claims or lower reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate health records and data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure provider documents 'morbid obesity' explicitly.

Impact

Using R06.8 without documented etiology.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure etiology is documented or query provider.

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

Documentation Templates for Hypoventilation Syndrome

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

Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome Diagnosis

Specialty: Pulmonology

Required Elements

  • Diagnosis of OHS
  • BMI and PaCO₂ levels
  • Exclusion of other causes

Example Documentation

Morbid obesity with alveolar hypoventilation (E66.2), BMI 45, PaCO₂ 48 mmHg, no evidence of COPD (FEV1/FVC 75%).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has sleep apnea.
Good Documentation Example
Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (BMI 44, PaCO₂ 50 mmHg awake, FEV1/FVC 72%), no OSA on PSG.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical details and excludes other conditions.

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

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