ICD-10 Coding for Triglycerides(E78.1, E78.2)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Triglycerides. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Triglycerides
E78.0-E78.5Primary Range
Disorders of lipoprotein metabolism and other lipidemias
This range includes all relevant codes for triglyceride disorders, including hypertriglyceridemia and related conditions.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| E78.1 | Pure hyperglyceridemia | Use when triglycerides are elevated without significant elevation of other lipids. |
|
| E78.2 | Mixed hyperlipidemia | Use when both cholesterol and triglycerides are elevated. |
|
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 elevated triglycerides
Essential facts and insights about Triglycerides
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for triglycerides
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL with normal LDL/HDL
Applicable To
- Isolated hypertriglyceridemia
Excludes
- Mixed hyperlipidemia (E78.2)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Fasting triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL
- Non-fasting triglycerides ≥175 mg/dL
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrect use when mixed lipid disorders are present
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies triglyceride levels and fasting status.
E78.2 - Mixed hyperlipidemia
Use when both cholesterol and triglycerides are elevated.
Applicable To
- Fredrickson Type IIb/III
Excludes
- Isolated hypertriglyceridemia (E78.1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- LDL ≥160 mg/dL
- Triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL
Coding Notes
Document both cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
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 Triglycerides to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E78.1.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to incorrect diagnosis and treatment., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit failures., Financial: Potential for denied claims.
Mitigation Strategy
Always include fasting status in lab reports, Educate staff on documentation standards
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Increases risk of audit failures., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific codes like E78.1 or E78.2 based on lipid profile details.
Impact
Inadequate documentation of triglyceride levels and fasting status.
Mitigation Strategy
Implement standardized templates for lipid profile 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 Triglycerides, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Triglycerides
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Triglycerides. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Endocrinology Progress Note
Specialty: EndocrinologyRequired Elements
- Assessment
- Plan
- Lab Results
- Clinical Context
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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