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E87.8
ICD-10-CM
Hyperchloremia

Understand hyperchloremia diagnosis, causes, and treatment. Find information on hyperchloremia ICD-10 code, clinical documentation improvement for hyperchloremia, and medical coding guidelines. Learn about lab tests for chloride levels, differential diagnosis of hyperchloremia, and effective management strategies. This resource provides insights for healthcare professionals, medical coders, and clinical documentation specialists seeking accurate and up-to-date information on hyperchloremia.

Also known as

Chloride Imbalance
High Chloride Levels

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Elevated chloride levels in the blood.
  • Clinical Signs : Often asymptomatic. May include weakness, lethargy, or deep breathing.
  • Common Settings : Dehydration, kidney disease, or excessive saline intake.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC E87.8 Coding
E87.1

Hyperchloremia

Elevated blood chloride levels.

E87.2

Acidosis

Increased acidity of the blood.

E86.0

Dehydration

Deficiency of total body water.

N17-N19

Acute kidney failure

Sudden loss of kidney function.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is hyperchloremia due to an underlying condition?

  • Yes

    Is it due to metabolic acidosis?

  • No

    Is it due to excessive chloride intake?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
High blood chloride levels
Dehydration
Metabolic acidosis

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document serum chloride level >106 mEq/L
  • Specify contributing factors (e.g., dehydration, renal failure)
  • Document related signs/symptoms (e.g., weakness, lethargy)
  • Record treatment interventions and patient response
  • Include ICD-10-CM code E87.7 for Hyperchloremia

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified etiology

    Coding hyperchloremia without documenting the underlying cause can lead to rejected claims and inaccurate data. CDI should query for specificity.

  • Dehydration confusion

    Mistaking dehydration as the sole cause without considering other factors like renal or metabolic issues can impact DRG assignment. Thorough documentation is crucial.

  • Lack of follow-up

    Failing to document treatment response and follow-up care for hyperchloremia can raise compliance issues and affect quality reporting metrics. CDI needs to ensure complete documentation.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document underlying cause (ICD-10-CM E87.7)
  • Monitor fluid intake/output, electrolytes (CPT 80053)
  • Treat underlying cause, adjust IV fluids cautiously
  • Address bicarbonate loss, consider diuretics if needed
  • CDI: accurate, specific documentation for compliance

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify serum chloride >106 mEq/L (ICD-10 E87.7)
  • Assess hydration status, document fluid intake/output
  • Review medications (e.g., saline infusions, diuretics)
  • Check renal function (BUN, creatinine), arterial blood gas

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Hyperchloremia reimbursement impacted by accurate ICD-10-CM coding (E87.7) and supporting documentation.
  • Quality metrics: electrolyte imbalance management, fluid balance monitoring affect hospital reporting and value-based care.
  • Coding accuracy for hyperchloremia impacts case mix index (CMI) and severity of illness (SOI) calculations.
  • DRG assignment influenced by principal diagnosis, comorbidities, impacting hospital reimbursement for hyperchloremia.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes for . Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Document cause of hyperchloremia
  • Code underlying condition first
  • Specify acute or chronic
  • Check chloride level units
  • Query physician if unclear

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with signs and symptoms suggestive of hyperchloremia, an electrolyte imbalance characterized by elevated chloride levels in the blood.  Presenting complaints may include lethargy, weakness, deep and rapid breathing (Kussmaul respirations), or altered mental status.  Relevant medical history includes potential contributing factors such as dehydration, renal failure, metabolic acidosis, hyperparathyroidism, or excessive intake of chloride-rich solutions.  Physical examination findings may reveal signs of dehydration such as dry mucous membranes or decreased skin turgor.  Laboratory results confirm elevated serum chloride concentration exceeding the normal reference range.  Differential diagnosis considers other electrolyte imbalances such as hypernatremia and conditions causing metabolic acidosis.  Diagnosis of hyperchloremia is based on the combination of clinical presentation, medical history, physical examination, and laboratory data.  Treatment plan focuses on addressing the underlying cause of the elevated chloride levels.  This may include intravenous fluid administration with hypotonic solutions, correcting acid-base imbalances, managing renal dysfunction, or adjusting medications.  Patient education emphasizes the importance of medication adherence, monitoring fluid intake, and recognizing signs of dehydration.  Follow-up care includes monitoring serum chloride levels and assessing clinical response to treatment.  ICD-10-CM code E87.7 may be appropriate for this encounter, and CPT codes for laboratory testing and therapeutic interventions will be documented based on the specific services provided.  This documentation supports medical necessity and accurate medical billing and coding for hyperchloremia management.
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