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ICD-10 Coding for Elevated Glucose Challenge Test(R73.0, O24.4-)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Elevated Glucose Challenge Test. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Elevated GCTAbnormal Glucose Challenge Test

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Elevated Glucose Challenge Test

R73-R73.9Primary Range

Abnormal findings on examination of blood, without diagnosis

This range includes codes for abnormal glucose findings, including elevated glucose challenge test results.

Diabetes mellitus in pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium

Relevant when elevated GCT results in a diagnosis of gestational diabetes.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
R73.0Abnormal glucose tolerance testUse when a glucose challenge test is elevated but does not confirm diabetes.
  • GCT value ≥135 mg/dL
  • Absence of diabetes diagnosis
O24.4-Gestational diabetes mellitusUse when gestational diabetes is confirmed following an elevated GCT.
  • GTT confirms gestational diabetes

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 glucose challenge test

Essential facts and insights about Elevated Glucose Challenge Test

The ICD-10 code for an elevated glucose challenge test without a diabetes diagnosis is R73.0.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for glucose challenge test elevated

Abnormal glucose tolerance test
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • GCT value ≥135 mg/dL without diabetes diagnosis

coding Criteria

  • Use R73.0 for elevated GCT results without confirmed diabetes.

Applicable To

  • Elevated glucose challenge test without diabetes diagnosis

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • GCT value ≥135 mg/dL
  • Absence of diabetes diagnosis

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with diabetes codes if GDM is not confirmed

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the GCT value and context (e.g., pregnancy).

Ancillary Codes

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

Encounter for screening for gestational diabetes

Z01.810
Use when GCT is part of routine prenatal screening.

Differential Codes

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

Other abnormal glucose

R73.09
Use R73.09 for abnormal glucose findings not specifically related to a tolerance test.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus without complications

E11.9
Use E11.9 for confirmed type 2 diabetes, not gestational.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Elevated Glucose Challenge Test to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R73.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate follow-up care., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure GCT values are recorded in all relevant patient encounters., Train staff on the importance of documenting test results.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on diabetes prevalence.

Mitigation Strategy

Use R73.0 until GTT confirms diabetes.

Impact

Using diabetes codes without confirmation can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure GCT and GTT results are documented and codes are selected based on confirmed diagnoses.

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 Elevated Glucose Challenge Test, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Elevated Glucose Challenge Test

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Elevated Glucose Challenge Test. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Elevated GCT in pregnancy

Specialty: OB/GYN

Required Elements

  • GCT value
  • Pregnancy status
  • Follow-up plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents for 24-week GCT: 1-hour GCT: 162 mg/dL (ref: <140). No polyuria/polydipsia. 3-hour GTT scheduled.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Abnormal glucose noted.
Good Documentation Example
1-hour GCT result: 155 mg/dL. No diagnosis of GDM. Recommended 3-hour GTT.
Explanation
The good example provides specific test results and a follow-up plan, supporting accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Elevated Glucose Challenge Test? Ask your questions below.

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