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ICD-10 Coding for Pickwickian Syndrome(E66.2, G47.33)

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

Also known as:

Obesity Hypoventilation SyndromeOHS

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Pickwickian Syndrome

E66-E66.9Primary Range

Obesity codes, including morbid obesity with alveolar hypoventilation

This range includes the primary code for Pickwickian syndrome, E66.2.

Sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea

This range includes G47.33, which is used if OSA is present without hypoventilation.

Body mass index (BMI) codes

BMI codes are necessary to specify the obesity class in Pickwickian syndrome.

Respiratory failure codes

Used if respiratory failure is present alongside Pickwickian syndrome.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E66.2Morbid (severe) obesity with alveolar hypoventilationUse when obesity is linked to alveolar hypoventilation and sleep-disordered breathing.
  • BMI ≥30
  • Daytime hypercapnia (pCO2 >45 mmHg)
  • Sleep-disordered breathing
G47.33Obstructive sleep apneaUse when OSA is present without obesity-related hypoventilation.
  • Polysomnography confirming OSA
  • Absence of daytime hypercapnia

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 Pickwickian syndrome

Essential facts and insights about Pickwickian Syndrome

The ICD-10 code for Pickwickian syndrome is E66.2, used for obesity hypoventilation syndrome.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for pickwickian syndrome

Morbid (severe) obesity with alveolar hypoventilation
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of daytime hypercapnia and obesity.

coding Criteria

  • Do not code G47.33 if E66.2 criteria are met.

documentation Criteria

  • Document BMI and link to hypoventilation.

Applicable To

  • Obesity hypoventilation syndrome
  • Pickwickian syndrome

Excludes

  • Obstructive sleep apnea (G47.33)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • BMI ≥30
  • Daytime hypercapnia (pCO2 >45 mmHg)
  • Sleep-disordered breathing

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding OSA separately when hypoventilation is present.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation explicitly links obesity to hypoventilation and includes BMI.

Ancillary Codes

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

BMI 30.0–39.9

Z68.3-
Use to specify obesity class if BMI is between 30 and 39.9.

BMI ≥40

Z68.4-
Use to specify obesity class if BMI is 40 or higher.

Respiratory failure

J96.xx
Use if acute or chronic respiratory failure is present.

Differential Codes

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

Obstructive sleep apnea

G47.33
Use when OSA is present without daytime hypercapnia.

Morbid obesity with alveolar hypoventilation

E66.2
Use when obesity and hypoventilation are linked.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Pickwickian Syndrome to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E66.2.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment focus., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on documentation requirements., Use templates that prompt for necessary details.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Violates Excludes1 note, risking compliance issues., Data Quality: Compromises data accuracy and quality.

Mitigation Strategy

Use only E66.2 if hypoventilation is present.

Impact

Reimbursement: May affect reimbursement accuracy., Compliance: Incomplete coding documentation., Data Quality: Inaccurate representation of patient's condition.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include the appropriate BMI code (Z68.3- or Z68.4-).

Impact

Coding both E66.2 and G47.33 together when hypoventilation is present.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coders on Excludes1 note and proper code selection.

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

Documentation Templates for Pickwickian Syndrome

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

Pulmonology Progress Note

Specialty: Pulmonology

Required Elements

  • BMI documentation
  • ABG results
  • Polysomnography findings
  • Exclusion of other causes

Example Documentation

Assessment: 1. Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (E66.2) - BMI: 44.2 (Z68.43) - Awake pCO2: 53 mmHg (ABG 3/27/25) - Polysomnography: AHI 28, SpO2 nadir 82% - No evidence of COPD (FEV1/FVC 82%, DLCO normal) 2. Acute-on-chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure (J96.21) Plan: - Initiate BiPAP ST with IPAP 18, EPAP 8, backup rate 12 - Nutrition consult for weight management

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Obese male with sleep apnea.
Good Documentation Example
Morbid obesity (BMI 48) with confirmed OHS: awake pCO2 51 mmHg, AHI 22, HCO3 32 mEq/L. No COPD/CHF.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical details linking obesity to hypoventilation and excludes other causes.

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