Find comprehensive information on hypokalemia in pregnancy, including diagnosis, treatment, and management. Learn about relevant clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10 codes), and healthcare guidelines for potassium deficiency during pregnancy. Explore causes, symptoms, and risks associated with low potassium levels in pregnant women. This resource provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals, clinicians, and medical coders seeking accurate and up-to-date information on hypokalemia and pregnancy.
Also known as
Electrolyte disorders complicating pregnancy
Hypokalemia specifically complicating pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium.
Hypokalemia
Generalized hypokalemia, not specific to pregnancy.
Supervision of high-risk pregnancy
May be used if hypokalemia contributes to a high-risk pregnancy.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the hypokalemia due to vomiting in pregnancy?
Yes
Code O21.1, Hypokalemia in pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium, and R11.10, Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, unspecified trimester
No
Is it due to hyperemesis gravidarum?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Low potassium during pregnancy. |
Potassium deficiency, unspecified. |
Gestational transient hypertension. |
Coding unspecified hypokalemia (E87.6) without documenting cause during pregnancy lacks specificity for accurate reimbursement and quality metrics.
Failing to code associated conditions like hyperemesis gravidarum (O21.1) or gestational diabetes (O24.4) with hypokalemia impacts risk adjustment.
Insufficient documentation of severity, treatment, and monitoring of hypokalemia can lead to coding errors and compliance issues.
Patient presents with complaints consistent with possible hypokalemia during pregnancy. Presenting symptoms include muscle weakness, fatigue, leg cramps, and constipation. Patient reports decreased appetite and occasional palpitations. Onset of symptoms began approximately two weeks ago and have gradually worsened. Patient denies any vomiting or diarrhea. Current gestational age is 28 weeks. Past medical history includes gestational diabetes mellitus controlled with diet. Family history is unremarkable for electrolyte disorders. Physical examination reveals normal fetal heart tones and uterine size appropriate for gestational age. Mild lower extremity edema noted. Neurological exam demonstrates decreased deep tendon reflexes. Electrocardiogram shows flattened T waves and the presence of U waves, suggestive of hypokalemia. Laboratory results confirm hypokalemia with a serum potassium level of 3.1 mEqL. Magnesium levels are within normal limits. Diagnosis of hypokalemia in pregnancy established. Differential diagnosis included magnesium deficiency, hyperemesis gravidarum, and diuretic use, which were ruled out based on patient history, physical exam, and laboratory findings. Plan includes oral potassium chloride supplementation, dietary counseling emphasizing potassium-rich foods, and close monitoring of serum potassium levels with repeat laboratory testing in one week. Patient education provided regarding signs and symptoms of hypokalemia and the importance of medication compliance. Potential complications of hypokalemia during pregnancy, such as cardiac arrhythmias and premature labor, were discussed. Follow-up appointment scheduled in one week to reassess symptoms and potassium levels. ICD-10 code E87.6, hypokalemia, is documented.