Find information on high cholesterol diagnosis, including ICD-10 codes (E78.0, E78.1, E78.2), clinical documentation improvement tips for hypercholesterolemia, lipid panel interpretation, and cholesterol management guidelines. Learn about LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and effective strategies for healthcare professionals documenting and coding elevated cholesterol levels. Explore resources for accurate medical coding and compliant clinical documentation of hyperlipidemia and familial hypercholesterolemia.
Also known as
Pure hypercholesterolemia
Elevated cholesterol levels without other lipid abnormalities.
Pure hypercholesterolemia
Elevated cholesterol, unspecified type.
Mixed hyperlipidemia
Elevated cholesterol combined with other lipid abnormalities.
Other hyperlipidemia
Elevated lipids not classified elsewhere.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the high cholesterol familial?
Yes
Type of familial hypercholesterolemia?
No
Is it due to a secondary cause?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
High cholesterol |
Familial hypercholesterolemia |
Mixed hyperlipidemia |
Coding E78.9 (hyperlipidemia, unspecified) when a more specific code (e.g., for pure hypercholesterolemia) is documented leads to inaccurate risk adjustment and reimbursement.
Failing to distinguish between familial (E78.0) and acquired (E78.x) hypercholesterolemia can impact quality reporting and treatment plans.
Omitting secondary hypercholesterolemia codes (e.g., due to hypothyroidism) can skew population health data and complicate care management.
Patient presents today for evaluation and management of hypercholesterolemia, also known as high cholesterol. The patient reports concerns regarding elevated cholesterol levels discovered during routine bloodwork. Risk factors for dyslipidemia, including family history of high cholesterol, dietary habits, physical activity levels, and current medication list, were reviewed. Physical examination findings were unremarkable, with no xanthomas or xanthelasmas noted. Laboratory results confirm elevated LDL cholesterol, specifically [insert LDL value mg/dL], total cholesterol [insert total cholesterol value mg/dL], and triglycerides [insert triglyceride value mg/dL]. HDL cholesterol was [insert HDL value mg/dL]. Based on the patient's lipid panel results, National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) ATP III guidelines, and cardiovascular risk assessment, a diagnosis of hyperlipidemia, ICD-10 code E78.5, is confirmed. The patient's ASCVD risk score was calculated and discussed. Treatment options including therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC) such as dietary modifications with emphasis on a low-saturated fat and low-cholesterol diet, increased physical activity, and weight management were thoroughly explained. Pharmacological interventions, specifically statin therapy, were discussed, considering potential benefits and risks. The patient was educated on the importance of cholesterol management for cardiovascular disease prevention and overall health. Follow-up appointment scheduled in [timeframe] to monitor lipid levels and assess treatment efficacy. Patient education materials on cholesterol lowering, healthy eating, and exercise were provided.