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ICD-10 Coding for Acute Hyponatremia(E87.1)

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

Also known as:

Low SodiumHyponatremia

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Acute Hyponatremia

E87.0-E87.9Primary Range

Disorders of fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance

This range includes codes for electrolyte imbalances, including hyponatremia.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for acute hyponatremia

Essential facts and insights about Acute Hyponatremia

The ICD-10 code for acute hyponatremia is E87.1, used when serum sodium levels are below 130 mmol/L with symptoms like confusion or seizures.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for acute hyponatremia

Hypo-osmolality and hyponatremia
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Serum sodium <130 mmol/L with symptoms

documentation Criteria

  • Documented cause and symptoms

Applicable To

  • Acute hyponatremia
  • Symptomatic hyponatremia

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Serum sodium <130 mmol/L
  • Symptoms such as confusion or seizures

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding dehydration alongside hyponatremia

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies acute vs. chronic and includes lab results.

Ancillary Codes

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

Syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone

E23.2
Use when SIADH is confirmed as the cause of hyponatremia.

Differential Codes

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

Hypernatremia

E87.0
Hypernatremia involves elevated sodium levels, whereas hyponatremia involves low sodium levels.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Acute Hyponatremia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E87.1.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Fails to meet documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific terms like 'acute hyponatremia', Include lab values and symptoms

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Code only hyponatremia when both are documented.

Impact

Failure to sequence underlying conditions before hyponatremia.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation clearly links hyponatremia to its 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 Acute Hyponatremia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Acute Hyponatremia

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

Emergency Department Presentation

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Clinical presentation
  • Lab results
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

68M with acute hyponatremia (Na 122 mmol/L, ↓ from 135 mmol/L 12h ago). Symptoms: GCS 13, tonic-clonic seizure. Etiology: SIADH suspected (urine osmolality 500 mOsm/kg, urine Na 50 mmol/L). Plan: 3% NaCl infusion, restrict fluids.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Low sodium, treat with fluids.
Good Documentation Example
Acute symptomatic hyponatremia (Na 118 mmol/L, onset <24h) with confusion and vomiting; SIADH confirmed via urine osmolality 450 mOsm/kg.
Explanation
The good example provides specific lab values, symptoms, and etiology, supporting accurate coding.

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

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