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ICD-10 Coding for Anasarca(R60.1)

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

Also known as:

Generalized edemaSevere edema

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Anasarca

R60-R69Primary Range

Symptoms and signs involving the circulatory and respiratory systems

This range includes codes for edema and other related symptoms, with R60.1 specifically for anasarca.

Diseases of the genitourinary system

Includes nephrotic syndrome (N04.9), which can be an underlying cause of anasarca.

Diseases of the circulatory system

Includes heart failure (I50.9), a common underlying cause of anasarca.

Diseases of the liver

Includes cirrhosis (K74.60), another potential cause of anasarca.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for anasarca

Essential facts and insights about Anasarca

The ICD-10 code for anasarca is R60.1, used for generalized edema when no specific underlying cause is documented.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for anasarca

Generalized edema
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Generalized pitting edema involving multiple body regions.

coding Criteria

  • Use R60.1 only when no specific underlying condition is documented.

documentation Criteria

  • Document weight gain and serum albumin levels.

Applicable To

  • Anasarca

Excludes

  • Localized edema
  • Edema due to specific conditions like pregnancy

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Generalized pitting edema involving ≥3 body regions
  • Weight gain trajectory
  • Serum albumin level with date

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding without identifying an underlying condition

Coding Notes

  • Ensure to document the extent and cause of edema for accurate coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Fluid overload

E87.7
Use with R60.1 when iatrogenic cause is present.

Dehydration

E86.0
Code first if contributing to edema in malnutrition cases.

Differential Codes

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

Nephrotic syndrome, unspecified

N04.9
Presence of proteinuria >3.5g/24hr and hypoalbuminemia <3g/dL.

Heart failure, unspecified

I50.9
Elevated BNP and echocardiogram findings.

Unspecified cirrhosis of liver

K74.60
Ascites, INR >1.5, and platelet count <150k.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Anasarca to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R60.1.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement for underlying conditions.

Mitigation Strategy

Thoroughly assess and document all potential causes of edema., Use clinical indicators to support coding decisions.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement if underlying condition is not coded., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate representation of patient's clinical status.

Mitigation Strategy

Identify and code the underlying condition first, such as nephrotic syndrome or heart failure.

Impact

Risk of coding edema without identifying underlying conditions.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement regular training for coders on identifying and documenting underlying conditions.

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

Documentation Templates for Anasarca

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

Patient with nephrotic syndrome presenting with anasarca

Specialty: Nephrology

Required Elements

  • Distribution of edema
  • Pitting scale
  • Daily weight trend
  • Urine output
  • Serum albumin level

Example Documentation

Generalized Edema Assessment: +4 pitting edema in bilateral lower extremities, abdominal wall, and sacral region with 8kg fluid weight gain over 72 hours. Serum albumin 1.8g/dL. Edema attributed to nephrotic syndrome relapse.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has swelling.
Good Documentation Example
+4 pitting edema in bilateral lower extremities, abdominal wall, and sacral region with 8kg fluid weight gain over 72 hours. Serum albumin 1.8g/dL. Edema attributed to nephrotic syndrome relapse.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the edema's extent, severity, and underlying cause, which are necessary for accurate coding.

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