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ICD-10 Coding for Hyperlipidemia(E78.0, E78.1, E78.2)

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

Also known as:

High cholesterolDyslipidemiaHyperlipoproteinemia

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Hyperlipidemia

E78.0-E78.5Primary Range

Disorders of lipoprotein metabolism and other lipidemias

This range includes all primary codes for hyperlipidemia, covering various types of lipid disorders.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E78.0Pure hypercholesterolemiaUse when LDL cholesterol is elevated above 190 mg/dL with familial pattern confirmed.
  • LDL > 190 mg/dL
  • Genetic test results confirming familial pattern
E78.1Pure hyperglyceridemiaUse when triglycerides are significantly elevated, posing a risk for pancreatitis.
  • Triglycerides > 500 mg/dL
  • Risk of pancreatitis documented
E78.2Mixed hyperlipidemiaUse when both LDL and triglycerides are elevated.
  • LDL > 160 mg/dL
  • Triglycerides > 150 mg/dL

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 hyperlipidemia

Essential facts and insights about Hyperlipidemia

The ICD-10 code for hyperlipidemia is E78.5, with specific codes like E78.0 for pure hypercholesterolemia.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hyperlipidemia

Pure hypercholesterolemia
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • LDL cholesterol levels above 190 mg/dL

Applicable To

  • Familial hypercholesterolemia

Excludes

  • Hyperlipidemia, unspecified (E78.5)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • LDL > 190 mg/dL
  • Genetic test results confirming familial pattern

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if genetic testing is not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation of genetic testing for familial cases.

Ancillary Codes

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

Long-term (current) use of insulin

Z79.4
Use when documenting ongoing statin therapy.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with other specified complication

E11.69
Use when hyperlipidemia is a complication of diabetes.

Atherosclerotic heart disease of native coronary artery without angina pectoris

I25.10
Use when hyperlipidemia is linked to coronary artery disease.

Differential Codes

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

Pure hyperglyceridemia

E78.1
Use E78.1 when triglycerides are elevated without significant LDL elevation.

Mixed hyperlipidemia

E78.2
Use E78.2 when both LDL and triglycerides are elevated.

Pure hypercholesterolemia

E78.0
Use E78.0 when only LDL is elevated.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hyperlipidemia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E78.0.

Impact

Clinical: Incomplete risk assessment., Regulatory: Potential non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: May affect reimbursement if familial hyperlipidemia is not documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Always ask about family history during patient intake.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify both LDL and triglycerides are elevated before using E78.2.

Impact

Using E78.5 without proper justification.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure specific lipid abnormalities are documented.

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

Documentation Templates for Hyperlipidemia

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

Hyperlipidemia management in primary care

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • Lipid panel results
  • Family history
  • Current medications

Example Documentation

Patient presents with LDL 162 mg/dL and triglycerides 240 mg/dL. Family history of hyperlipidemia noted. Currently on atorvastatin 40mg daily.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has high cholesterol.
Good Documentation Example
Patient with LDL 162 mg/dL, triglycerides 240 mg/dL, on atorvastatin 40mg daily.
Explanation
The good example includes specific lipid values and treatment details.

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

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