Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Triglyceridemia(E78.1, E78.2)

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

Also known as:

HypertriglyceridemiaPure Hyperglyceridemia

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Triglyceridemia

E78.0-E78.9Primary Range

Disorders of lipoprotein metabolism and other lipidemias

This range includes codes for various lipid disorders, including hypertriglyceridemia.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E78.1Pure hyperglyceridemiaUse when triglycerides are elevated without concurrent high cholesterol.
  • Fasting triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL on two separate occasions
  • Absence of elevated cholesterol levels
E78.2Mixed hyperlipidemiaUse when both triglycerides and cholesterol are elevated.
  • Triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL and LDL ≥130 mg/dL

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 triglyceridemia

Essential facts and insights about Triglyceridemia

The ICD-10 code for pure hyperglyceridemia is E78.1, used when triglycerides are elevated without high cholesterol.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for triglyceridemia

Pure hyperglyceridemia
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Fasting triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of 'pure hyperglyceridemia'

Applicable To

  • Isolated elevated triglycerides

Excludes

  • Mixed hyperlipidemia (E78.2)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Fasting triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL on two separate occasions
  • Absence of elevated cholesterol levels

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with E78.2 if cholesterol is also elevated

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies fasting triglyceride levels and excludes secondary causes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Obesity-related hyperlipidemia

E66.01
Use when obesity is a contributing factor.

Diabetes with hyperlipidemia

E11.62
Use when diabetes is present and affects lipid levels.

Differential Codes

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

Mixed hyperlipidemia

E78.2
Use E78.2 when both triglycerides and cholesterol are elevated.

Pure hyperglyceridemia

E78.1
Use E78.1 when only triglycerides are elevated.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Triglyceridemia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E78.1.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate treatment plans, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure specific lipid levels are documented, Use specific codes E78.1 or E78.2 as appropriate

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and statistics.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify both triglyceride and cholesterol levels before coding.

Impact

Failure to differentiate between pure and mixed hyperlipidemia.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular training on lipid disorder coding.

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

Documentation Templates for Triglyceridemia

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

Endocrinology follow-up for hypertriglyceridemia

Specialty: Endocrinology

Required Elements

  • Fasting status
  • Lipid panel results
  • Secondary cause assessment

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Elevated lipids noted, will start fenofibrate
Good Documentation Example
Fasting triglycerides 520 mg/dL on 3/15/25 and 490 mg/dL on 4/2/25. TSH 2.8 mIU/L, HbA1c 5.7%. No alcohol use. Diagnosis: Pure hyperglyceridemia (E78.1)
Explanation
The good example provides specific lab values and excludes secondary causes.

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

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more