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E87.8
ICD-10-CM
Hypochloremia

Understand hypochloremia diagnosis, causes, symptoms, and treatment. Find information on low chloride levels, chloride blood test, metabolic alkalosis, electrolyte imbalance, and related ICD-10 codes for accurate clinical documentation and medical coding. Learn about hypochloremia management, including fluid replacement therapy and dietary adjustments. Explore resources for healthcare professionals covering diagnosis, treatment, and lab values associated with hypochloremia.

Also known as

Low chloride levels
Chloride deficiency

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Low chloride level in the blood.
  • Clinical Signs : Muscle weakness, twitching, or cramps, confusion, vomiting.
  • Common Settings : Hospital, prolonged vomiting, diuretic use, severe dehydration.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

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

Hypochloremia

Low chloride levels in the blood.

E86.0-E86.9

Volume depletion

Conditions causing fluid loss, potentially leading to hypochloremia.

E87.2

Hypochloremic alkalosis

Elevated blood pH and low chloride, often due to vomiting.

R78.8

Other abnormal findings of blood chemistry

May include hypochloremia if not specified elsewhere.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is hypochloremia due to a drug (medicinal)?

  • Yes

    Is the drug documented?

  • No

    Is it due to metabolic alkalosis?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Low chloride levels in the blood.
Low sodium levels in the blood.
Metabolic alkalosis, low blood acidity.

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document serum chloride levels <96 mEq/L
  • Specify cause of hypochloremia (e.g., vomiting, diuretics)
  • Document related symptoms (e.g., muscle weakness, twitching)
  • Record treatment plan (e.g., chloride replacement)
  • Include ICD-10-CM code E87.7 for Hypochloremia

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Hypochloremia

    Coding E87.7 (Hypochloremia) without specificity when a more precise cause is documented leads to inaccurate data and potential DRG misassignment.

  • Missed Secondary Cause

    Failing to code underlying conditions contributing to Hypochloremia (e.g., vomiting, diuretics) impacts risk adjustment and quality reporting.

  • Conflicting Documentation

    Discrepancies between lab results indicating Hypochloremia and physician documentation create coding ambiguity and compliance concerns.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Monitor chloride levels via ICD-10-CM code E87.8 for accurate tracking.
  • Document hypochloremia etiology, severity, and treatment in patient charts for CDI.
  • Administer chloride replacement therapy as ordered, adhering to healthcare compliance.
  • Address underlying causes (e.g., vomiting, diuretics) per clinical guidelines.
  • Regularly assess patient response to treatment and document changes for improved outcomes.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm low serum chloride <97 mEq/L (ICD-10 E87.1)
  • Review medications: diuretics, laxatives (SNOMED CT 71388002)
  • Assess for vomiting, diarrhea, NG suction (patient safety)
  • Evaluate for metabolic alkalosis (ICD-10 E87.3) ABG analysis

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Hypochloremia reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10-CM coding (E87.1) and linking to underlying cause for optimal payment.
  • Quality metrics: Hypochloremia impacts electrolyte imbalance reporting, influencing hospital quality scores and potential penalties.
  • Coding validation and physician documentation crucial for accurate MS-DRG assignment and preventing claim denials for hypochloremia.
  • Monitoring serum chloride levels and documenting treatment response essential for demonstrating quality of care and justifying reimbursement.

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 low chloride levels
  • Code E87.8 for Hypochloremia
  • Specify cause if known
  • Query physician for clarity
  • Check related electrolyte imbalances

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with signs and symptoms suggestive of hypochloremia, a low chloride level.  Presenting complaints include muscle weakness, twitching, or cramps, fatigue, and in severe cases, confusion or seizures.  Relevant medical history includes recent vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating, potential causes of chloride loss.  Current medications include diuretics, which may contribute to electrolyte imbalances.  Physical examination reveals potential signs of dehydration, such as dry mucous membranes.  Laboratory results confirm low serum chloride levels below the normal reference range.  Differential diagnoses considered include metabolic alkalosis, cystic fibrosis, and Addison's disease.  Diagnosis of hypochloremia is established based on clinical presentation, history, and laboratory findings.  Treatment plan includes addressing the underlying cause of chloride loss and correcting the electrolyte imbalance with oral or intravenous chloride supplementation, as indicated.  Patient education provided regarding the importance of hydration, dietary chloride intake, and medication management.  Follow-up laboratory testing scheduled to monitor chloride levels and treatment efficacy.  ICD-10 code E87.1, electrolyte disturbance, is documented for medical billing and coding purposes.  Patient's prognosis is good with appropriate management and treatment.