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

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

Also known as:

Lactic AcidosisHyperlactatemia

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Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Lactic Acidemia

E87.2Primary Range

Acidosis

Primary code for lactic acidosis, including lactic acidemia.

R74.02

Elevated Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)

Used for elevated LDH without acidosis.

R89.8

Other Abnormal Findings of Blood Chemistry

Used for elevated lactate without acidosis.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E87.2AcidosisUse when clinical criteria for lactic acidosis are met.
  • Lactate >4 mmol/L or >2 mmol/L with pH <7.35 or anion gap >12
R74.02Elevated Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)Use when LDH is elevated but no acidosis is present.
  • Elevated LDH without acidosis
R89.8Other Abnormal Findings of Blood ChemistryUse when lactate is elevated but does not meet acidosis criteria.
  • Elevated lactate without acidosis

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 lactic acidemia

Essential facts and insights about Lactic Acidemia

The ICD-10 code for lactic acidemia is E87.2, covering acidosis including lactic acidosis.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for lactic acidemia

E87.2
Acidosis
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Lactate >4 mmol/L or >2 mmol/L with pH <7.35

Applicable To

  • Lactic acidosis
  • Metabolic acidosis

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Lactate >4 mmol/L or >2 mmol/L with pH <7.35 or anion gap >12

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding diabetic ketoacidosis instead of lactic acidosis.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies lactic acidosis and includes lab values.
View Full Code Details

Ancillary Codes

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

Elevated LDH

R74.02
Use when elevated LDH is present without acidosis.

Differential Codes

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

Type 1 diabetes mellitus with ketoacidosis

E10.10
Presence of ketones and hyperglycemia.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Lactic Acidemia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E87.2.

Impact

Clinical: Misdiagnosis of metabolic conditions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on documentation standards., Use templates that prompt for required lab values.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to reimbursement issues., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Clarify the type of acidosis with the provider.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of lab values for lactic acidosis.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement documentation templates and provider education.

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

Documentation Templates for Lactic Acidemia

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

Sepsis with Lactic Acidosis

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Lactate level
  • pH
  • Anion gap
  • Underlying cause

Example Documentation

72M with AMS, BP 80/50. Lactate 7.4 mmol/L, pH 7.25, AGAP 18. Diagnosis: Septic shock with lactic acidosis (A41.9, E87.2).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Elevated lactate noted.
Good Documentation Example
Lactic acidosis with lactate 5.8 mmol/L, pH 7.29, AGAP 16.
Explanation
The good example provides specific lab values and diagnosis.

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

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