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ICD-10 Coding for HbA1c(E11.65, R73.09)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for HbA1c. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Hemoglobin A1cGlycated Hemoglobin

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to HbA1c

E08-E13Primary Range

Diabetes mellitus

This range includes all types of diabetes mellitus, which are relevant for coding HbA1c results.

Elevated blood glucose level

This range includes codes for prediabetes and other abnormal glucose findings.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E11.65Type 2 diabetes mellitus with hyperglycemiaUse when a patient with type 2 diabetes has an A1c level indicating hyperglycemia.
  • A1c >7%
  • Symptoms of hyperglycemia
R73.09Other abnormal glucoseUse for patients with prediabetes or other abnormal glucose findings.
  • A1c 5.7-6.4%

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 HbA1c

Essential facts and insights about HbA1c

The ICD-10 code for HbA1c related to diabetes is E11.65, used for type 2 diabetes with hyperglycemia.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hga1c

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with hyperglycemia
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • A1c >7% with symptoms

Applicable To

  • Type 2 diabetes with high blood sugar

Excludes

  • Type 1 diabetes mellitus (E10.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • A1c >7%
  • Symptoms of hyperglycemia

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding without documented hyperglycemia

Coding Notes

  • Ensure hyperglycemia is explicitly documented.

Ancillary Codes

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

Long-term (current) use of oral hypoglycemic drugs

Z79.84
Use to indicate ongoing medication management for diabetes.

Differential Codes

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

Type 2 diabetes mellitus without complications

E11.9
Use E11.9 if there are no documented complications or hyperglycemia.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting HbA1c to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E11.65.

Impact

Clinical: Impacts treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific terms like 'hyperglycemia' with A1c values.

Impact

Reimbursement: May result in lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of health records.

Mitigation Strategy

Query provider for specific documentation of diabetes type and complications.

Impact

Failure to document complications can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all complications are documented with specific codes.

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 HbA1c, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for HbA1c

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for HbA1c. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Diabetes management with hyperglycemia

Specialty: Endocrinology

Required Elements

  • Patient details
  • A1c test results
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient has type 2 diabetes with A1c 9.5%, managed with metformin.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Diabetes uncontrolled.
Good Documentation Example
Type 2 diabetes with hyperglycemia, A1c 9.5% on 03/25/2025.
Explanation
The good example provides specific A1c value and date.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for HbA1c? Ask your questions below.

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