ICD-10 Coding for Low Blood Sugar(E16.2, E16.A1, E16.A2, E16.A3)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Low Blood Sugar. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Low Blood Sugar
E16.0-E16.9Primary Range
Other disorders of pancreatic internal secretion
This range includes codes for various types of hypoglycemia, including unspecified and specified levels.
Diabetes mellitus
These codes are used when hypoglycemia is related to diabetes, requiring documentation of the type of diabetes and its complications.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| E16.2 | Hypoglycemia, unspecified | Use when hypoglycemia is documented without specific levels or related conditions. |
|
| E16.A1 | Hypoglycemia, Level 1 | Use when hypoglycemia level 1 is documented with glucose <70 mg/dL. |
|
| E16.A2 | Hypoglycemia, Level 2 | Use when hypoglycemia level 2 is documented with glucose <54 mg/dL. |
|
| E16.A3 | Hypoglycemia, Level 3 | Use when severe hypoglycemia is documented with altered mental status. |
|
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 low blood sugar
Essential facts and insights about Low Blood Sugar
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for low blood sugar
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Documented glucose level below normal range
documentation Criteria
- Absence of specific hypoglycemia level documentation
Applicable To
- Low blood sugar
Excludes
- Diabetes mellitus with hypoglycemia
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented glucose level below normal range
- Absence of neuroglycopenic symptoms
Code-Specific Risks
- Assuming hypoglycemia level without provider documentation
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies if hypoglycemia is related to diabetes or other conditions.
E16.A1 - Hypoglycemia, Level 1
Use when hypoglycemia level 1 is documented with glucose <70 mg/dL.
Applicable To
- Glucose level <70 mg/dL
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented glucose level <70 mg/dL
- Documentation of symptoms or lack thereof
Coding Notes
Ensure glucose level is documented to support coding.
E16.A2 - Hypoglycemia, Level 2
Use when hypoglycemia level 2 is documented with glucose <54 mg/dL.
Applicable To
- Glucose level <54 mg/dL
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented glucose level <54 mg/dL
- Documentation of autonomic symptoms
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation includes glucose level and symptoms.
E16.A3 - Hypoglycemia, Level 3
Use when severe hypoglycemia is documented with altered mental status.
Applicable To
- Severe hypoglycemia with altered mental status
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documentation of altered mental status or need for assistance
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies altered mental status.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Long term (current) use of insulin
Z79.4Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Low Blood Sugar to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E16.2.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate assessment of severity., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Train staff on documentation requirements., Use templates to ensure completeness.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate health records and data reporting.
Mitigation Strategy
Use E16.2 for hypoglycemia unless specified as abnormal glucose without symptoms.
Impact
Reimbursement: May affect DRG assignment and reimbursement., Compliance: Failure to comply with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Incomplete patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Include diabetes code with hypoglycemia when related.
Impact
Risk of coding hypoglycemia without proper documentation.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure thorough documentation of glucose levels and symptoms.
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 Low Blood Sugar, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Low Blood Sugar
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Low Blood Sugar. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Emergency Department Hypoglycemia
Specialty: Emergency MedicineRequired Elements
- Onset and context of hypoglycemia
- Glucose values and symptoms
- Reversal method and management plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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