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ICD-10 Coding for Low Sodium(E87.1, P74.22)

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

Also known as:

HyponatremiaLow Serum Sodium

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Low Sodium

E87.0-E87.9Primary Range

Disorders of fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance

This range includes codes for electrolyte imbalances such as hyponatremia.

Other transitory neonatal electrolyte and metabolic disturbances

This range is relevant for neonatal cases of hyponatremia.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E87.1HyponatremiaUse when serum sodium is below 135 mmol/L and documented as hyponatremia.
  • Serum sodium <135 mmol/L
  • Symptoms such as confusion, seizures
P74.22Neonatal hyponatremiaUse for neonates with documented low sodium levels.
  • Serum sodium <135 mmol/L in neonates

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 sodium

Essential facts and insights about Low Sodium

The ICD-10 code for low sodium is E87.1, used for serum sodium levels below 135 mmol/L.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for low sodium

Hyponatremia
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Serum sodium <135 mmol/L with symptoms

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit documentation of hyponatremia

Applicable To

  • Low sodium

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Serum sodium <135 mmol/L
  • Symptoms such as confusion, seizures

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure documentation supports the diagnosis with lab values.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure accurate documentation of serum sodium levels and any related symptoms.

Ancillary Codes

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

Dehydration

E86.0
Use alongside E87.1 if dehydration is also present.

Differential Codes

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

Hypernatremia

E87.0
Hypernatremia is characterized by serum sodium >145 mmol/L.

Neonatal hypernatremia

P74.21
Characterized by serum sodium >145 mmol/L in neonates.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Low Sodium to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E87.1.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on documentation standards., Implement documentation audits.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure lab results are documented in the patient's record.

Impact

Lack of documented lab values can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all lab results are included in patient records.

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

Documentation Templates for Low Sodium

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

Hyponatremia due to SIADH

Specialty: Endocrinology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Lab results
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with confusion and serum sodium of 128 mmol/L. Diagnosis: Hyponatremia secondary to SIADH. Plan: Fluid restriction and monitoring.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Low sodium noted.
Good Documentation Example
Hyponatremia (Na 128) secondary to SIADH confirmed by urine osmolality >100 mOsm/kg.
Explanation
The good example provides specific lab values and a clear etiology.

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

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