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ICD-10 Coding for Hyperchloremia(E87.8, P74.421)

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

Also known as:

Chloride ImbalanceHigh Chloride Levels

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Hyperchloremia

E87.8Primary Range

Other disorders of electrolyte and fluid balance, not elsewhere classified

Primary code for hyperchloremia in adults, indicating electrolyte imbalance.

Hyperchloremia of newborn

Specific to neonatal cases of hyperchloremia.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E87.8Other disorders of electrolyte and fluid balance, not elsewhere classifiedUse when hyperchloremia is diagnosed in adults with documented clinical significance.
  • Serum chloride ≥107 mmol/L
  • Clinical documentation of symptoms or underlying condition
P74.421Hyperchloremia of newbornUse for hyperchloremia diagnosed in newborns.
  • Serum chloride ≥110 mmol/L in neonates
  • Documentation of neonatal condition

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 hyperchloremia

Essential facts and insights about Hyperchloremia

The ICD-10 code for hyperchloremia in adults is E87.8, while P74.421 is used for neonatal cases.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hyperchloremia

Other disorders of electrolyte and fluid balance, not elsewhere classified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Serum chloride level and clinical symptoms must be documented.

coding Criteria

  • Underlying cause must be coded first.

Applicable To

  • Hyperchloremia

Excludes

  • Hyperchloremia of newborn (P74.421)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Serum chloride ≥107 mmol/L
  • Clinical documentation of symptoms or underlying condition

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect sequencing if underlying cause is not coded first.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure the underlying cause is documented and coded first.

Ancillary Codes

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

Dehydration

E86.0
Use when hyperchloremia is due to fluid loss.

Adverse effect of loop diuretics

T45.1X5A
Use for drug-induced hyperchloremia.

Differential Codes

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

Acidosis

E87.2
Use when metabolic acidosis is present alongside hyperchloremia.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hyperchloremia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E87.8.

Impact

Clinical: Incomplete clinical picture., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the cause of hyperchloremia.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and statistics.

Mitigation Strategy

Confirm patient age; use E87.8 for patients over 28 days.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential underpayment due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Failure to meet coding standards., Data Quality: Incomplete clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Query for the specific cause of hyperchloremia.

Impact

Failure to code the underlying cause first.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coders on ICD-10 sequencing rules.

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

Documentation Templates for Hyperchloremia

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

Hyperchloremia with dehydration

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Patient symptoms
  • Lab results
  • Underlying cause
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

62M with 3-day history of vomiting, lethargy, and oliguria. Labs: Cl 115 mmol/L, Na 155 mmol/L, BUN/Cr 32/1.4. Assessment: Hyperchloremia (E87.8) secondary to hypovolemic dehydration (E86.0) from acute gastroenteritis. Plan: IV lactated Ringer’s, monitor electrolytes q4h.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
High chloride levels noted.
Good Documentation Example
Serum chloride 112 mmol/L with orthostatic hypotension and dry mucous membranes, consistent with hyperchloremia due to dehydration from gastroenteritis.
Explanation
The good example provides specific lab values, symptoms, and links to the underlying cause.

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

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