Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Dyslipidemia Unspecified(E78.5)

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

Also known as:

Hyperlipidemia UnspecifiedLipid Disorder Unspecified

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Dyslipidemia Unspecified

E78.0-E78.9Primary Range

Disorders of lipoprotein metabolism and other lipidemias

This range includes all disorders related to lipid metabolism, with E78.5 specifically for unspecified dyslipidemia.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for dyslipidemia unspecified

Essential facts and insights about Dyslipidemia Unspecified

The ICD-10 code for dyslipidemia unspecified is E78.5, used when a lipid disorder is present but not further specified.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for dyslipidemia unspecified

Hyperlipidemia, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • LDL >160 mg/dL or Triglycerides >200 mg/dL

documentation Criteria

  • Absence of specific lipid disorder documentation

Applicable To

  • Unspecified dyslipidemia

Excludes

  • Familial hypercholesterolemia (E78.01)
  • Mixed hyperlipidemia (E78.2)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • LDL >160 mg/dL
  • Triglycerides >200 mg/dL
  • Non-fasting lipid panel showing elevated lipids without pattern recognition

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of undercoding if specific lipid disorder is documented but not coded.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure lipid panel results are documented to support the use of E78.5.

Ancillary Codes

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

Essential (primary) hypertension

I10
Use when hypertension is present as a comorbidity.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus without complications

E11.9
Use when diabetes is present as a comorbidity.

Differential Codes

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

Pure hypercholesterolemia

E78.0
Use when high cholesterol is specifically documented.

Mixed hyperlipidemia

E78.2
Use when both high cholesterol and triglycerides are documented.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Dyslipidemia Unspecified to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E78.5.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis and treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials due to lack of supporting documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure lipid panel results are included in every patient encounter involving dyslipidemia.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential for reduced reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreased data quality and accuracy in patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Review documentation for specific lipid disorder and code accordingly.

Impact

Risk of audits due to use of unspecified codes when specific information is available.

Mitigation Strategy

Regularly review and update coding practices to ensure specificity.

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

Documentation Templates for Dyslipidemia Unspecified

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

Routine Checkup with Dyslipidemia

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • Lipid panel results
  • Patient history
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents for routine checkup. Lipid panel shows LDL 175 mg/dL, HDL 35 mg/dL, triglycerides 210 mg/dL. Diagnosis: Dyslipidemia, unspecified (E78.5). Plan: Initiate statin therapy.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has high cholesterol.
Good Documentation Example
Patient diagnosed with dyslipidemia, unspecified (E78.5) based on lipid panel: LDL 175 mg/dL.
Explanation
The good example specifies the ICD-10 code and provides supporting lab results.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Dyslipidemia Unspecified? 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