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ICD-10 Coding for Pseudohyponatremia(E78.5, C90.00, R79.89)

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

Also known as:

Laboratory artifact hyponatremia

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Pseudohyponatremia

E78-E78.5Primary Range

Disorders of lipoprotein metabolism and other lipidemias

Hyperlipidemia is a common cause of pseudohyponatremia.

Multiple myeloma and malignant plasma cell neoplasms

Hyperproteinemia due to multiple myeloma can cause pseudohyponatremia.

Other abnormal findings of blood chemistry

Used when pseudohyponatremia is identified without a specific underlying cause.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E78.5Hyperlipidemia, unspecifiedWhen hyperlipidemia is the identified cause of pseudohyponatremia.
  • Triglycerides >1,000 mg/dL
  • Sodium discrepancy between indirect and direct ISE
C90.00Multiple myeloma not having achieved remissionWhen multiple myeloma is the underlying cause of pseudohyponatremia.
  • Serum protein >9 g/dL
  • M-spike on electrophoresis
R79.89Other specified abnormal findings of blood chemistryWhen pseudohyponatremia is identified but the cause is unspecified.
  • Lab confirmation of pseudohyponatremia without a specific cause

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 pseudohyponatremia

Essential facts and insights about Pseudohyponatremia

Pseudohyponatremia is not directly coded. Use codes for underlying causes like hyperlipidemia (E78.5).

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for pseudohyponatremia

Hyperlipidemia, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of high triglycerides with normal sodium on direct ISE.

Applicable To

  • Hypertriglyceridemia

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Triglycerides >1,000 mg/dL
  • Sodium discrepancy between indirect and direct ISE

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as hyponatremia

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies hyperlipidemia as the cause.

Differential Codes

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

Hyponatremia

E87.1
True hyponatremia involves low sodium levels without lab artifact.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Pseudohyponatremia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E78.5.

Impact

Clinical: Potential mismanagement of patient care., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Incorrect billing and reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always verify sodium levels with direct ISE, Document the cause of pseudohyponatremia

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to potential financial loss., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Misleading clinical data affecting patient management.

Mitigation Strategy

Code the underlying cause such as hyperlipidemia or hyperproteinemia.

Impact

Using E87.1 instead of coding the underlying cause.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coders on the importance of identifying and coding the underlying cause.

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

Documentation Templates for Pseudohyponatremia

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

Emergency Department Note

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Assessment of pseudohyponatremia
  • Lab results including direct and indirect ISE
  • Plan for managing underlying cause

Example Documentation

**Assessment**: Pseudohyponatremia due to hyperlipidemia. **Plan**: Manage triglycerides, no sodium correction needed. **Labs**: Sodium (indirect ISE): 120 mmol/L, Sodium (direct ISE): 138 mmol/L, Triglycerides: 2,450 mg/dL.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
"Low sodium noted; will monitor."
Good Documentation Example
"Pseudohyponatremia confirmed via direct ISE (138 mmol/L) due to severe hypertriglyceridemia (2,500 mg/dL). No intervention for sodium required."
Explanation
The good example specifies the cause and confirms the artifact with lab results.

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

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