ICD-10 Coding for High Triglycerides(E78.1, E78.2)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for High Triglycerides. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to High Triglycerides
E78.0-E78.5Primary Range
Disorders of lipoprotein metabolism and other lipidemias
This range includes codes for various lipid disorders, including high triglycerides.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| E78.1 | Pure hyperglyceridemia | Use when only triglycerides are elevated without cholesterol abnormalities. |
|
| E78.2 | Mixed hyperlipidemia | Use when both triglycerides and cholesterol are elevated. |
|
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 high triglycerides
Essential facts and insights about High Triglycerides
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for high triglycerides
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL with normal cholesterol levels.
Applicable To
- Isolated hypertriglyceridemia
Excludes
- Mixed hyperlipidemia (E78.2)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Fasting triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrect use when cholesterol is also elevated.
Coding Notes
- Ensure fasting status is documented to validate triglyceride levels.
E78.2 - Mixed hyperlipidemia
Use when both triglycerides and cholesterol are elevated.
Applicable To
- Elevated triglycerides and cholesterol
Excludes
- Pure hyperglyceridemia (E78.1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Both triglycerides and cholesterol levels elevated
Coding Notes
Document both lipid levels to justify code use.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Acute pancreatitis, unspecified
K85.9Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting High Triglycerides to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E78.1.
Impact
Clinical: Leads to incorrect treatment plans., Regulatory: Fails to meet coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Always specify which lipids are elevated., Include lab values in documentation.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Use E78.1 when only triglycerides are elevated.
Impact
Failure to document fasting status can lead to audit issues.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure fasting status is always recorded with lab results.
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 High Triglycerides, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for High Triglycerides
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for High Triglycerides. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Primary Care Visit for Lipid Management
Specialty: Primary CareRequired Elements
- Fasting triglyceride levels
- Cholesterol levels
- Patient history
- Lifestyle factors
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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