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

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

Also known as:

HyperlipidemiaDyslipidemiaHypercholesterolemia

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Lipid Disorders

E78.0-E78.5Primary Range

Disorders of lipoprotein metabolism and other lipidemias

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

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 without triglyceride elevation.
  • LDL ≥190 mg/dL
E78.1Pure hyperglyceridemiaUse when triglycerides are elevated without LDL elevation.
  • Triglycerides ≥200 mg/dL
E78.2Mixed hyperlipidemiaUse when both LDL and triglycerides are elevated.
  • LDL ≥160 mg/dL and 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 lipid disorders

Essential facts and insights about Lipid Disorders

The ICD-10 codes for lipid disorders range from E78.0 to E78.5, covering various types of hyperlipidemia and related conditions.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for lipid

Pure hypercholesterolemia
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • LDL cholesterol level ≥190 mg/dL

Applicable To

  • High cholesterol

Excludes

  • Familial hypercholesterolemia (E78.01)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • LDL ≥190 mg/dL

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if triglycerides are also elevated.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure LDL levels are documented and no secondary causes are 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 if patient is on statin therapy.

Differential Codes

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

Mixed hyperlipidemia

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

Pure hypercholesterolemia

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

Pure hyperglyceridemia

E78.1
Use E78.1 if only triglycerides are elevated.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Always ask about family history of cardiovascular disease., Document any relevant family history in the patient's record.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases the accuracy of health records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure lipid panel results are documented to select the most specific code.

Impact

Frequent use of E78.5 without justification.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure lipid panel results are documented and specific codes are used.

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

Documentation Templates for Lipid Disorders

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

Cardiology Progress Note

Specialty: Cardiology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Family history of cardiovascular disease
  • Current lipid levels
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

68M with FHx of CAD, LDL 210 mg/dL on maximal statin therapy. Plan: PCSK9 inhibitor.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Elevated lipids. Start statin.
Good Documentation Example
LDL 212 mg/dL, HDL 32 mg/dL, triglycerides 180 mg/dL. Diagnosed with familial hypercholesterolemia.
Explanation
The good example provides specific lipid levels and a clear diagnosis.

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

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