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

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

Also known as:

High triglyceridesTriglyceride disorder

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Hypertriglyceridemia

E78.0-E78.9Primary Range

Disorders of lipoprotein metabolism and other lipidemias

This range includes codes for various lipid disorders, including hypertriglyceridemia.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E78.1Pure hyperglyceridemiaUse when triglycerides are elevated without elevated cholesterol levels.
  • Fasting triglycerides ≥200 mg/dL
  • Normal LDL/HDL levels
E78.2Mixed hyperlipidemiaUse when both triglycerides and cholesterol are elevated.
  • Triglycerides ≥200 mg/dL
  • Cholesterol ≥240 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 hypertriglyceridemia

Essential facts and insights about Hypertriglyceridemia

The ICD-10 code for pure hypertriglyceridemia is E78.1, used when triglycerides are elevated without elevated cholesterol.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hypertriglyceridemia

Pure hyperglyceridemia
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Fasting triglycerides ≥200 mg/dL with normal LDL/HDL

coding Criteria

  • No elevated cholesterol levels present

Applicable To

  • Primary hypertriglyceridemia

Excludes

  • Mixed hyperlipidemia (E78.2)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Fasting triglycerides ≥200 mg/dL
  • Normal LDL/HDL levels

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if cholesterol levels are also elevated.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure fasting status is documented for accurate coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Long-term (current) use of lipid-lowering agents

Z79.4
Use if the patient is on lipid-lowering therapy.

Family history of hyperlipidemia

Z83.42
Use if there is a documented familial predisposition.

Differential Codes

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

Mixed hyperlipidemia

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

Pure hyperglyceridemia

E78.1
Use when only triglycerides are elevated.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hypertriglyceridemia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E78.1.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include specific lab values., Clarify lipid type and levels.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient data and statistics.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify cholesterol levels before assigning E78.2.

Impact

Using E78.5 when more specific codes apply.

Mitigation Strategy

Query for specific lipid levels and types.

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

Documentation Templates for Hypertriglyceridemia

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

Endocrinology Clinic Note

Specialty: Endocrinology

Required Elements

  • Fasting triglyceride levels
  • Cholesterol levels
  • Family history
  • Secondary causes

Example Documentation

Assessment: Primary hypertriglyceridemia (E78.1). Fasting triglycerides: 680 mg/dL. No evidence of pancreatitis.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has high triglycerides.
Good Documentation Example
Fasting triglycerides 520 mg/dL, LDL 130 mg/dL. No pancreatitis history.
Explanation
The good example provides specific lab values and excludes secondary conditions.

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

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