ICD-10 Coding for Metabolic Acidosis(E87.21, E87.22)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Metabolic Acidosis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Metabolic Acidosis
E87.2Primary Range
Metabolic Acidosis
This range includes all forms of metabolic acidosis, including acute and chronic types.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| E87.21 | Acute metabolic acidosis | Use when acute metabolic acidosis is documented with specific lab findings. |
|
| E87.22 | Chronic metabolic acidosis | Use when chronic metabolic acidosis is documented with persistent lab findings. |
|
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 acute metabolic acidosis
Essential facts and insights about Metabolic Acidosis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for metabolic acidosis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of acute symptoms and lab findings
Applicable To
- Acute lactic acidosis
- Acute metabolic acidosis due to sepsis
Excludes
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (E11.10)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- pH <7.35
- HCO3- <22 mmol/L
- Lactate ≥4 mmol/L
Code-Specific Risks
- Confusion with diabetic ketoacidosis
- Incorrect sequencing with sepsis
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies 'acute' and includes lab results.
E87.22 - Chronic metabolic acidosis
Use when chronic metabolic acidosis is documented with persistent lab findings.
Applicable To
- Chronic metabolic acidosis due to renal failure
Excludes
- Acute metabolic acidosis (E87.21)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- HCO3- <22 mmol/L on ≥2 occasions
- Normal anion gap
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies 'chronic' and includes lab results.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Metabolic Acidosis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E87.21.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate clinical picture, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential claim denials
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure lab results are documented, Use templates to guide documentation
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Use E11.10 for DKA and E87.2x for separate acidosis.
Impact
High audit risk when using E87.20 without specificity.
Mitigation Strategy
Query providers for specificity.
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 Metabolic Acidosis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Metabolic Acidosis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Metabolic Acidosis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Acute metabolic acidosis in emergency department
Specialty: Emergency MedicineRequired Elements
- History of present illness
- Lab results (ABG, lactate)
- Assessment and plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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