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E87.0
ICD-10-CM
Hypernatremia

Understand hypernatremia diagnosis, treatment, and management. Find information on hypernatremia symptoms, causes, ICD-10 codes (E87.0), clinical documentation tips, and healthcare best practices. Explore resources for medical coding, serum sodium levels, fluid balance, and differential diagnosis related to hypernatremia for accurate and efficient patient care. Learn about hypernatremia workup, laboratory tests, and monitoring strategies.

Also known as

High sodium levels
Sodium excess

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : High sodium levels in the blood.
  • Clinical Signs : Thirst, lethargy, confusion, seizures, coma.
  • Common Settings : Dehydration, diabetes insipidus, kidney disease.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC E87.0 Coding
E87.0

Hypernatremia

Elevated sodium levels in the blood.

E86.0

Volume depletion

Fluid loss causing dehydration, potential hypernatremia.

R79.89

Abnormal findings NEC

May include abnormal sodium levels, if unspecified.

E87.1

Hyponatremia

Low sodium levels, for comparison/differential.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the hypernatremia due to an underlying medical condition?

  • Yes

    Is it due to volume depletion?

  • No

    Code R74.4

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
High blood sodium
Diabetes insipidus
Hypovolemia

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Hypernatremia diagnosis documented
  • Serum sodium level >145 mEq/L recorded
  • Onset, duration, and severity noted
  • Underlying cause investigated and documented
  • Treatment plan and patient response detailed

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified cause

    Coding hypernatremia without documenting the underlying cause leads to inaccurate severity and DRG assignment.

  • Dehydration confusion

    Incorrectly coding dehydration as the principal diagnosis when hypernatremia is the primary issue causes underpayment.

  • Lack of specificity

    Coding E87.0 (hypernatremia) without specifying acute, chronic or other details impacts quality metrics and reimbursement.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document cause of hypernatremia: dehydration, medications, etc. (ICD-10 E87.0)
  • Monitor serum sodium levels, fluid intake/output for accurate CDI
  • Treat underlying cause: fluid replacement, medication adjustment (HCC coding)
  • Patient education on fluid management for improved compliance
  • Regular reassessment, accurate documentation ensures optimal reimbursement

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm serum sodium >145 mEq/L (ICD-10 E87.0)
  • Assess fluid status, check for dehydration signs
  • Review medications: diuretics, lithium (SNOMED CT 15185007)
  • Evaluate urine osmolality and sodium levels

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Hypernatremia reimbursement hinges on accurate coding reflecting severity and etiology (e.g., dehydration, endocrine disorders) for optimal DRG assignment and payment.
  • Quality metrics impacted: Fluid and electrolyte balance, patient safety indicators for dehydration complications, readmission rates related to electrolyte imbalances.
  • Coding accuracy crucial: Differentiate between acute and chronic hypernatremia, specify underlying causes, and document treatment response for proper claims submission.
  • Hospital reporting: Hypernatremia data influences quality improvement initiatives, resource allocation, and public health surveillance of electrolyte disorders.

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 serum sodium >145 mEq/L
  • Specify acute/chronic hypernatremia
  • Code underlying cause, e.g., dehydration
  • Query physician if cause unclear
  • Check for diabetes insipidus codes

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with hypernatremia, confirmed by a serum sodium level of [Sodium level] mEq/L.  Clinical manifestations include [List symptoms e.g., thirst, lethargy, irritability, muscle weakness, seizures, coma].  Differential diagnosis considered dehydration, diabetes insipidus, osmotic diuresis, excessive sodium intake, and renal dysfunction.  Assessment includes a detailed history focusing on fluid intake, output, medications, and comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, and endocrine disorders.  Physical examination reveals [Document findings e.g., dry mucous membranes, tachycardia, orthostatic hypotension, altered mental status].  Laboratory evaluation includes serum electrolytes, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, urine osmolality, and urine sodium.  Treatment plan focuses on correcting the underlying cause and gradually lowering serum sodium concentration with appropriate fluid management.  Intravenous hypotonic fluids such as 0.45% saline or 5% dextrose in water (D5W) may be initiated.  Close monitoring of serum sodium, fluid balance, and neurological status is crucial.  Patient education emphasizes the importance of adequate fluid intake and recognizing signs of dehydration.  ICD-10 code E87.0 (Hypernatremia) and relevant CPT codes for laboratory tests and intravenous fluid administration will be documented for billing and coding purposes. The prognosis depends on the severity and underlying etiology of the hypernatremia.  Follow-up care is scheduled to monitor sodium levels and adjust treatment as needed.
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