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ICD-10 Coding for Pure Hypercholesterolemia(E78.00, E78.01)

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

Also known as:

High CholesterolLDL Hypercholesterolemia

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Pure Hypercholesterolemia

E78.0-E78.5Primary Range

Disorders of lipoprotein metabolism and other lipidemias

This range includes codes for various types of hyperlipidemia, including pure hypercholesterolemia.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E78.00Pure hypercholesterolemia, unspecifiedUse when LDL-C is elevated without familial patterns or secondary causes.
  • LDL-C 160-189 mg/dL
  • No familial patterns
  • Exclusion of secondary causes
E78.01Familial hypercholesterolemiaUse when familial hypercholesterolemia is confirmed by genetic testing or family history.
  • LDL-C ≥190 mg/dL
  • Genetic testing confirming LDLR/APOB/PCSK9 variants
  • Family history of premature CAD

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 pure hypercholesterolemia

Essential facts and insights about Pure Hypercholesterolemia

The ICD-10 code for pure hypercholesterolemia is E78.00 for unspecified cases and E78.01 for familial cases confirmed by genetic testing.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for pure hypercholesterolemia

Pure hypercholesterolemia, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • LDL-C levels between 160-189 mg/dL without familial or secondary causes.

Applicable To

  • Primary hypercholesterolemia

Excludes

  • Familial hypercholesterolemia (E78.01)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • LDL-C 160-189 mg/dL
  • No familial patterns
  • Exclusion of secondary causes

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of under-documentation if familial patterns are present.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'pure' hypercholesterolemia to avoid unspecified coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Encounter for screening for lipoid disorders

Z13.220
Use for routine cholesterol checks, not for diagnosed conditions.

Family history of ischemic heart disease

Z82.49
Use when documenting family history of CAD.

Differential Codes

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

Familial hypercholesterolemia

E78.01
Use when genetic testing confirms familial hypercholesterolemia.

Pure hypercholesterolemia, unspecified

E78.00
Use when familial patterns are not confirmed.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Pure Hypercholesterolemia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E78.00.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect diagnosis coding., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential reimbursement issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document family history for hypercholesterolemia cases.

Impact

Reimbursement: May affect DRG assignment and reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Confirm and document genetic testing or family history for E78.01.

Impact

Using unspecified codes when specific codes are applicable.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports the most specific code possible.

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

Documentation Templates for Pure Hypercholesterolemia

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

Primary Care Visit for Hypercholesterolemia

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • LDL-C levels
  • Family history
  • Secondary cause exclusion

Example Documentation

Patient presents with LDL 175 mg/dL, no family history of CAD, TSH normal.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
High cholesterol, start statin.
Good Documentation Example
Pure hypercholesterolemia, LDL 175 mg/dL, no family history, TSH normal.
Explanation
Good example specifies LDL levels and excludes secondary causes.

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

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