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ICD-10 Coding for Starvation Ketoacidosis(E88.8)

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

Also known as:

Fasting KetoacidosisNon-diabetic Ketoacidosis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Starvation Ketoacidosis

E88.8Primary Range

Other specified metabolic disorders

Primary code for starvation ketoacidosis when confirmed by clinical indicators.

Other specified abnormal findings of blood chemistry

Used as secondary code if acidosis is present but starvation ketoacidosis is not explicitly documented.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for starvation ketoacidosis

Essential facts and insights about Starvation Ketoacidosis

The ICD-10 code for starvation ketoacidosis is E88.8, used for metabolic disorders confirmed by clinical indicators.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for starvation ketoacidosis

Other specified metabolic disorders
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of normal/low glucose and elevated ketones with metabolic acidosis.

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of 'starvation ketoacidosis' in clinical notes.

Applicable To

  • Starvation ketoacidosis

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Normal or low glucose levels
  • Elevated ketones
  • Metabolic acidosis with pH <7.3

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as diabetic ketoacidosis if glucose levels are not verified.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'starvation ketoacidosis' to avoid misclassification.

Ancillary Codes

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

Dehydration

E86.0
Use if dehydration is documented as a contributing factor.

Other diseases of stomach and duodenum

K31.89
Use if gastroparesis is contributing to starvation.

Differential Codes

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

Type 1 diabetes mellitus with ketoacidosis without coma

E10.10
Use when high glucose levels (>250 mg/dL) are present with insulin deficiency.

Acidosis

E87.2
Use when acidosis is present but not specifically linked to starvation.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Starvation Ketoacidosis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E88.8.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for incorrect billing and reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate clinicians on the importance of specifying the type of ketoacidosis., Implement checklist for documentation review.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to lower reimbursement., Compliance: Misclassification can result in non-compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Impacts the accuracy of clinical data and patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify glucose levels and ensure documentation specifies 'starvation ketoacidosis'.

Impact

Risk of coding starvation ketoacidosis as diabetic ketoacidosis.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement regular audits and training sessions for coding staff.

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

Documentation Templates for Starvation Ketoacidosis

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

Emergency Department Admission

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Chief complaint
  • History of present illness
  • Lab results
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

34-year-old female presents with nausea and vomiting for 5 days. Labs show glucose 68 mg/dL, β-OHB 4.8 mmol/L, pH 7.22. Assessment: Starvation ketoacidosis due to prolonged fasting.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Metabolic acidosis with ketosis.
Good Documentation Example
Severe anion gap metabolic acidosis secondary to starvation ketoacidosis due to 7-day fasting. β-OHB 6.8 mmol/L, glucose 82 mg/dL.
Explanation
The good example specifies the cause and provides lab values, ensuring accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Starvation Ketoacidosis? Ask your questions below.

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