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ICD-10 Coding for Non-Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis(E87.21, E87.22, N25.89)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Non-Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

NAGMAHyperchloremic Acidosishyperchloremic metabolic acidosisnormal anion gap acidosis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Non-Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis

E87.2Primary Range

Metabolic acidosis

This range includes codes for both acute and chronic metabolic acidosis, which are relevant for coding NAGMA.

Other disorders resulting from impaired renal tubular function

Includes specific conditions like Type IV RTA, which can cause NAGMA.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E87.21Acute metabolic acidosisUse for acute NAGMA episodes, such as those induced by diarrhea resolving within 48 hours.
  • Serum bicarbonate <22 mM
  • Normal anion gap (8-12 mEq/L)
E87.22Chronic metabolic acidosisApply for persistent NAGMA, such as chronic renal tubular acidosis.
  • Persistent serum bicarbonate <22 mM
  • Normal anion gap over extended period
N25.89Other disorders resulting from impaired renal tubular functionSpecific to Type IV RTA with hyperkalemia.
  • Hyperkalemia
  • Urine pH <5.5

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 NAGMA

Essential facts and insights about Non-Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis

The ICD-10 codes for Non-Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis (NAGMA) are E87.21 for acute cases and E87.22 for chronic cases.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for nagma

Acute metabolic acidosis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of acute symptoms and lab findings

Applicable To

  • Acute NAGMA episodes

Excludes

  • Chronic metabolic acidosis (E87.22)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Serum bicarbonate <22 mM
  • Normal anion gap (8-12 mEq/L)

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using unspecified codes if acute nature is not documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies acute nature to avoid unspecified coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Dehydration

E86.0
Use when volume depletion exacerbates NAGMA.

Chronic kidney disease, stage 3

N18.3
Use when chronic NAGMA is associated with CKD.

Hyperkalemia

E87.5
Use to document elevated potassium levels.

Differential Codes

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

Chronic metabolic acidosis

E87.22
Chronicity of the condition, typically persisting beyond 48 hours.

Acute metabolic acidosis

E87.21
Acute onset and resolution within 48 hours.

Hyperkalemia

E87.5
Presence of elevated potassium levels.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Non-Anion Gap 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: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all lab values are documented in the patient's chart., Use templates to guide comprehensive documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with specificity requirements., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies acute or chronic nature to use E87.21 or E87.22.

Impact

Risk of audits due to use of unspecified codes.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes E87.21 or E87.22 based on 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 Non-Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Non-Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Non-Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Chronic NAGMA with Type IV RTA

Specialty: Nephrology

Required Elements

  • Serum bicarbonate levels
  • Anion gap calculation
  • Urine pH
  • Potassium levels

Example Documentation

Chronic NAGMA due to Type IV RTA confirmed by urine pH 5.3 and hyperkalemia.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Metabolic acidosis present.
Good Documentation Example
Chronic metabolic acidosis (HCO3 18 mEq/L, anion gap 10) secondary to distal renal tubular acidosis confirmed by urine pH 6.2.
Explanation
The good example provides specific lab values and etiology, supporting accurate coding.

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