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ICD-10 Coding for Low Calcium(E83.51, E58, E20.810)

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

Also known as:

HypocalcemiaCalcium Deficiency

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Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Low Calcium

E83.5Primary Range

Disorders of calcium metabolism

This range includes codes for various calcium metabolism disorders, including hypocalcemia.

E58

Dietary calcium deficiency

Used for nutritional deficiencies leading to low calcium levels.

E20.8

Other hypoparathyroidism

Includes genetic conditions like autosomal dominant 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 the primary focus of care and is symptomatic.
  • Ionized calcium ≤0.8 mmol/L
  • Presence of neuromuscular or cardiac symptoms
E58Dietary calcium deficiencyUse for asymptomatic hypocalcemia with a dietary cause.
  • Normal ionized calcium
  • Nutritional assessment
E20.810Autosomal dominant hypocalcemiaUse for genetically confirmed cases of hypocalcemia.
  • Genetic test confirmation
  • Family history

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 low calcium

Essential facts and insights about Low Calcium

The ICD-10 code for symptomatic hypocalcemia is E83.51, while dietary calcium deficiency is coded as E58.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for low calcium

E83.51
Hypocalcemia
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of symptoms like muscle spasms or seizures.

documentation Criteria

  • Documented ionized calcium level and symptoms.

Applicable To

  • Severe hypocalcemia
  • Symptomatic hypocalcemia

Excludes

  • Dietary calcium deficiency (E58)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Ionized calcium ≤0.8 mmol/L
  • Presence of neuromuscular or cardiac symptoms

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect use without documented symptoms or lab values.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation of symptoms and lab values for accurate coding.
View Full Code Details

Ancillary Codes

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

Chronic kidney disease, stage 5

N18.5
Use when hypocalcemia is secondary to CKD.

Differential Codes

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

Dietary calcium deficiency

E58
Use when hypocalcemia is due to nutritional deficiency without metabolic disorder.

Hypocalcemia

E83.51
Use when hypocalcemia is symptomatic and not due to diet.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate clinical picture., Regulatory: Potential audit issues., Financial: Denied claims due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on documentation standards., Use checklists for required documentation.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes specific symptoms and ionized calcium levels.

Impact

Risk of audits due to insufficient symptom documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of symptoms and lab values.

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

Documentation Templates for Low Calcium

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

Emergency Department Presentation

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Patient symptoms
  • Ionized calcium levels
  • ECG findings

Example Documentation

Patient presents with perioral paresthesias and carpopedal spasm. Ionized calcium 0.78 mmol/L (ref 1.15-1.33). ECG shows prolonged QT interval.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Low calcium, supplement given.
Good Documentation Example
Symptomatic hypocalcemia with perioral paresthesias and ECG QTc 510ms following total thyroidectomy. Ionized Ca²⁺ 0.72 mmol/L (normal 1-1.32) despite normal albumin 4.0 g/dL. Initiated calcium gluconate 2g IV with resolution of neurological symptoms within 2 hours.
Explanation
The good example provides specific symptoms, lab values, and treatment response, enabling accurate coding.

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

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