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E79.0
ICD-10-CM
Hyperuricemia

Understanding hyperuricemia diagnosis, treatment, and management is crucial for healthcare professionals. This resource provides information on hyperuricemia ICD-10 codes (E79.0), clinical documentation improvement for accurate coding, gout relationship, uric acid levels, and effective treatment strategies. Learn about hyperuricemia causes, symptoms, and long-term complications for improved patient care and medical coding accuracy. Find guidance on proper documentation for hyperuricemia and related conditions to ensure appropriate reimbursement and data analysis.

Also known as

Elevated Uric Acid
Uric Acid Disorder

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Elevated uric acid in the blood.
  • Clinical Signs : Often asymptomatic, can cause gout attacks with joint pain, swelling, redness.
  • Common Settings : Primary care, rheumatology, nephrology

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC E79.0 Coding
E79.0

Hyperuricemia without signs and symptoms

Elevated uric acid levels in the blood without symptoms.

M10.0-M10.9

Gout

Inflammatory arthritis caused by uric acid crystal deposits.

N28.89

Other specified disorders of kidney and ureter

Includes uric acid nephrolithiasis (kidney stones).

R79.89

Other abnormal findings of blood chemistry

Can be used for hyperuricemia if not otherwise specified.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is hyperuricemia due to underlying condition?

  • Yes

    Is it due to lead poisoning?

  • No

    Is it asymptomatic hyperuricemia?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
High uric acid in blood
Gout
Uric acid nephrolithiasis

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document serum uric acid level (mg/dL)
  • Specify asymptomatic vs symptomatic hyperuricemia
  • Document related conditions (e.g., gout, CKD)
  • Note medications affecting uric acid levels
  • Document lifestyle factors (diet, alcohol)

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Hyperuricemia

    Coding E79.0 without documenting cause or manifestation risks underpayment and claim denials. CDI should clarify etiology for specific codes like E79.1.

  • Gout vs. Hyperuricemia

    Incorrectly coding gout (M10.-) as hyperuricemia (E79.-) when both are present leads to inaccurate reporting and impacts quality metrics. CDI should query physician for accurate diagnosis documentation.

  • Secondary Hyperuricemia

    Failing to code the underlying cause of hyperuricemia (e.g., renal disease) impacts risk adjustment and reimbursement. CDI should prompt physicians to document all relevant diagnoses.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Limit purine-rich foods (meat, seafood)
  • Increase water intake to promote uric acid excretion
  • Manage weight through diet and exercise
  • Medication adherence for chronic hyperuricemia
  • Regular monitoring of uric acid levels with ICD-10 E79.0 coding

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm serum urate level >7.0 mg/dL (male) or >6.0 mg/dL (female)
  • Document diet, medications, and relevant medical history
  • Evaluate for signs/symptoms of gout or nephrolithiasis
  • Consider secondary causes: renal disease, medications
  • Check creatinine, BUN for renal function assessment

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Hyperuricemia reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10-CM coding (E79.0) and linking to underlying conditions like gout or kidney disease for optimal payment.
  • Quality metrics impacted: Elevated uric acid levels monitoring, medication adherence for urate-lowering therapy, and chronic kidney disease management.
  • Coding accuracy crucial for risk adjustment and avoiding denials. Proper documentation of cause and severity key for appropriate reimbursement.
  • Hospital reporting affected by hyperuricemia prevalence data influencing resource allocation and quality improvement initiatives targeting at-risk populations.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

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

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code primary gout first
  • Use E79.0 for hyperuricemia NOS
  • Document causative factors
  • N28.8 other crystal arthropathies
  • Check 274 ICD-10-CM guidelines

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with [chief complaint related to hyperuricemia, e.g., acute joint pain, swelling, or asymptomatic on routine bloodwork].  Review of systems reveals [list pertinent positives and negatives, e.g., pain in the great toe, redness, warmth, limited range of motion, or no fever, chills, or other systemic symptoms].  Past medical history includes [relevant comorbidities, e.g., hypertension, gout, chronic kidney disease, metabolic syndrome, or diabetes].  Family history is significant for [relevant familial conditions, e.g., gout or kidney stones].  Social history includes [lifestyle factors, e.g., alcohol consumption, diet rich in purines, or use of medications such as diuretics].  Physical examination reveals [objective findings, e.g., tenderness, erythema, swelling, tophi, or limited range of motion in the affected joint].  Laboratory findings show elevated serum uric acid level of [specific uric acid value, e.g., 8.5 mgdL].  Assessment: Hyperuricemia [with or without gout, specify if acute or chronic].  Differential diagnoses include [other potential causes of the symptoms, e.g., septic arthritis, pseudogout, or rheumatoid arthritis].  Plan: [Outline treatment plan, e.g., lifestyle modifications including dietary adjustments to reduce purine intake, increased hydration, weight management;  pharmacological interventions such as allopurinol, febuxostat, or probenecid; patient education on the importance of medication adherence and follow-up].  ICD-10 code: E79.0.  Return to clinic in [timeframe] for follow-up and monitoring of uric acid levels.