ICD-10 Coding for Hypernatremia(E87.0, E87.2)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Hypernatremia. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Hypernatremia
E87.0-E87.2Primary Range
Disorders of fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance
This range includes codes for hypernatremia and related electrolyte imbalances.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| E87.0 | Hyperosmolality and hypernatremia | Use for severe or symptomatic cases of hypernatremia. |
|
| E87.2 | Hypernatremia, unspecified | Use for mild or asymptomatic cases of hypernatremia. |
|
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 severe hypernatremia
Essential facts and insights about Hypernatremia
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hypernatremia
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Sodium level ≥160 mmol/L or significant symptoms
Applicable To
- Severe hypernatremia
- Symptomatic hypernatremia
Excludes
- Hyponatremia (E87.1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Sodium level ≥160 mmol/L
- Presence of neurological symptoms such as seizures or confusion
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly coding mild cases as severe
- Not documenting neurological symptoms
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies severity and symptoms.
E87.2 - Hypernatremia, unspecified
Use for mild or asymptomatic cases of hypernatremia.
Applicable To
- Mild hypernatremia
Excludes
- Severe hypernatremia (E87.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Sodium level 145-159 mmol/L
- No significant symptoms
Coding Notes
Document sodium levels and absence of symptoms.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Diabetes insipidus
E23.2Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hypernatremia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E87.0.
Impact
Clinical: Misleading clinical picture, Regulatory: Potential audit issues, Financial: Incorrect billing
Mitigation Strategy
Double-check lab results, Use standardized documentation templates
Impact
Reimbursement: Potential overpayment and subsequent audit recovery, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation supports the severity with symptoms or lab values.
Impact
Incorrectly coding the severity of hypernatremia
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation supports the coded severity level.
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 Hypernatremia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Hypernatremia
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Hypernatremia. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Severe hypernatremia in ICU
Specialty: Critical CareRequired Elements
- Sodium levels
- Neurological symptoms
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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