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ICD-10 Coding for Unspecified Diabetes Mellitus(E11.9)

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

Also known as:

Diabetes Mellitus UnspecifiedDM Unspecifieddiabetes nos

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Unspecified Diabetes Mellitus

E11-E13Primary Range

Diabetes mellitus codes

This range includes all diabetes mellitus codes, including unspecified types.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for unspecified diabetes mellitus

Essential facts and insights about Unspecified Diabetes Mellitus

The ICD-10 code for unspecified diabetes mellitus is E11.9, used when the type of diabetes is not specified and no complications are documented.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for initials of a doctor unspecified

Type 2 diabetes mellitus without complications
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Absence of specific type or complication documentation

documentation Criteria

  • Lack of response to provider query about diabetes type

Applicable To

  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus NOS

Excludes

  • Type 1 diabetes mellitus (E10.-)
  • Secondary diabetes mellitus (E08-E09)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL
  • Random glucose ≥200 mg/dL
  • HbA1c ≥6.5%

Code-Specific Risks

  • May lead to underreporting of complications
  • Potential for audit if used excessively without justification

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies if insulin is used and any complications present.

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 insulin is prescribed, but diabetes type is unspecified.

Differential Codes

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

Type 1 diabetes mellitus without complications

E10.9
Use if autoantibody tests (e.g., GAD65) are positive.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Unspecified Diabetes Mellitus to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E11.9.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit findings., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff to query providers for specifics., Implement EHR alerts for unspecified codes.

Impact

Reimbursement: May result in lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Risk of non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Code specific complications with appropriate diabetes code (e.g., E11.22 for CKD).

Impact

Frequent use of unspecified codes can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement documentation protocols to ensure specificity.

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 Unspecified Diabetes Mellitus, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Unspecified Diabetes Mellitus

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

Primary care visit for diabetes management

Specialty: Endocrinology

Required Elements

  • Patient's diabetes type
  • Current treatment regimen
  • Recent lab results
  • Presence or absence of complications

Example Documentation

Type 2 diabetes mellitus, HbA1c 7.2%, managed with metformin 1000 mg BID. No acute complications.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
DM – stable.
Good Documentation Example
Type 2 diabetes mellitus, HbA1c 7.2% (improved from 8.5%), managed with metformin 1000 mg BID.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the diabetes type, treatment, and lab results.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Unspecified Diabetes Mellitus? Ask your questions below.

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