ICD-10 Coding for Low Potassium(E87.6)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Low Potassium. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Low Potassium
E87.6Primary Range
Disorders of potassium metabolism
Primary code for hypokalemia, used when potassium levels are below normal.
Hypertensive chronic kidney disease with stage 1 through stage 4 chronic kidney disease, or unspecified chronic kidney disease
Used when hypokalemia is related to chronic kidney disease.
Primary hyperaldosteronism
Used when hypokalemia is secondary to endocrine disorders like hyperaldosteronism.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for low potassium
Essential facts and insights about Low Potassium
Primary ICD-10-CM Code for low potassium
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Serum potassium level <3.5 mEq/L
documentation Criteria
- Clinician documentation of hypokalemia
Applicable To
- Potassium deficiency
- Low serum potassium
Excludes
- Pseudohypokalemia
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Serum potassium level <3.5 mEq/L
- Clinician documentation of hypokalemia
- Initiation of treatment such as potassium supplements
Code-Specific Risks
- Coding based solely on lab results without clinician confirmation
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation explicitly states hypokalemia and links to any underlying conditions.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Other fatigue
R53.83Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Hyperkalemia
E87.5Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Low Potassium to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E87.6.
Impact
Clinical: Potential misdiagnosis, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Denied claims due to insufficient documentation
Mitigation Strategy
Always confirm with clinician documentation, Avoid coding based solely on lab results
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and data.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure clinician documentation confirms hypokalemia.
Impact
Coding hypokalemia based solely on lab results without clinician documentation.
Mitigation Strategy
Require clinician confirmation in documentation.
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 Potassium, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Low Potassium
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Low Potassium. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Hypokalemia due to diuretic use
Specialty: NephrologyRequired Elements
- Serum potassium level
- Clinician diagnosis
- Treatment plan
- Underlying cause
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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