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ICD-10 Coding for Uric Acid Disorders(E79.0, M10.00)

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

Also known as:

HyperuricemiaGout

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Uric Acid Disorders

E79.0-E79.9Primary Range

Disorders of purine and pyrimidine metabolism

This range includes codes for hyperuricemia and related metabolic disorders.

Gout

This range includes codes for different types of gout, including idiopathic and drug-induced.

Chronic gout

This range includes codes for chronic gout with tophi and site-specific manifestations.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E79.0Hyperuricemia without signs of inflammatory arthritis and tophaceous diseaseUse when there is elevated uric acid without symptoms of gout.
  • Serum uric acid level ≥7 mg/dL in males, ≥6 mg/dL in females
M10.00Idiopathic gout, unspecified siteUse for acute gout attacks without specifying the site.
  • Acute joint inflammation with serum uric acid ≥7.5 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 hyperuricemia

Essential facts and insights about Uric Acid Disorders

The ICD-10 code for hyperuricemia without symptoms is E79.0, used for elevated uric acid levels without gout symptoms.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for uric acid

Hyperuricemia without signs of inflammatory arthritis and tophaceous disease
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Elevated uric acid levels without symptoms

Applicable To

  • Asymptomatic hyperuricemia

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Serum uric acid level ≥7 mg/dL in males, ≥6 mg/dL in females

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using this code without documented lab results.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure lab results are documented to support the use of this code.

Ancillary Codes

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

Abnormal finding of blood chemistry, unspecified

R79.9
Use when the cause of hyperuricemia is unclear.

Differential Codes

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

Idiopathic gout, unspecified site

M10.00
Use M10.00 when there are symptoms of gout present.

Chronic gout

M1A.0xx
Use M1A.0xx for chronic gout with tophi.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Uric Acid Disorders to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E79.0.

Impact

Clinical: Misclassification of gout type., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Document the number of flares per year., Include imaging results if available.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Reduces specificity and accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Always use site-specific codes when available.

Impact

High risk of audit when unspecified codes are used despite available documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Always use the most specific code available.

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 Uric Acid Disorders, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Uric Acid Disorders

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

Acute gout attack

Specialty: Rheumatology

Required Elements

  • Location of the attack
  • Serum uric acid levels
  • Presence of tophi
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with acute pain in the left great toe, serum uric acid 8.2 mg/dL. Diagnosis: idiopathic gout, left metatarsophalangeal joint.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Gout flare
Good Documentation Example
Acute monoarticular inflammation of 1st MTP joint with positive polarization microscopy for MSU crystals
Explanation
The good example provides specific location and diagnostic evidence.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Uric Acid Disorders? Ask your questions below.

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