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ICD-10 Coding for Lipid Profile(E78.0, E78.1, E78.2, E78.5)

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

Also known as:

Cholesterol TestLipid Panel

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Lipid Profile

E78.0-E78.9Primary Range

Disorders of lipoprotein metabolism and other lipidemias

This range covers various lipid metabolism disorders, including hypercholesterolemia and hyperlipidemia.

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 persistently elevated above 190 mg/dL.
  • LDL-C ≥190 mg/dL
E78.1Pure hyperglyceridemiaUse when triglyceride levels are significantly elevated, typically ≥500 mg/dL.
  • Triglycerides ≥500 mg/dL
E78.2Mixed hyperlipidemiaUse when both LDL cholesterol and triglycerides are elevated.
  • LDL-C ≥160 mg/dL and triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL
E78.5Hyperlipidemia, unspecifiedUse when specific lipid abnormalities are not identified.
  • Total cholesterol >200 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 lipid profile

Essential facts and insights about Lipid Profile

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

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for lipid profile

Pure hypercholesterolemia
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • LDL-C ≥190 mg/dL

Applicable To

  • Elevated LDL cholesterol

Excludes

  • Familial hypercholesterolemia (E78.01)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • LDL-C ≥190 mg/dL

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if LDL-C levels are not documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure LDL-C levels are documented to support the use of this code.

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 when documenting ongoing statin therapy.

Differential Codes

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

Familial hypercholesterolemia

E78.01
Genetic testing or family history indicating familial hypercholesterolemia.

Mixed hyperlipidemia

E78.2
Presence of both elevated LDL-C and triglycerides.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: Impacts treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document specific lipid levels.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure lab results support the specific type of hyperlipidemia.

Impact

Using unspecified codes without supporting documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure lab results are documented and specify lipid type.

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

Documentation Templates for Lipid Profile

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

Lipid management in cardiology

Specialty: Cardiology

Required Elements

  • Lipid levels
  • Risk scores
  • Medication history
  • Treatment plans

Example Documentation

Patient with LDL-C 205 mg/dL, QRISK2 18%, starting atorvastatin 40 mg.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Elevated lipids noted. Start statin.
Good Documentation Example
Patient with LDL-C 172 mg/dL, HDL-C 32 mg/dL, total cholesterol 240 mg/dL. QRISK2 score 12% (high risk). Plan: Initiate high-intensity statin.
Explanation
The good example provides specific lipid levels and a clear treatment plan.

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

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