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O99.280
ICD-10-CM
Hypokalemia in Pregnancy

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

Low potassium in pregnancy
Gestational hypokalemia

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Low potassium levels during pregnancy.
  • Clinical Signs : Muscle weakness, fatigue, constipation, irregular heartbeat.
  • Common Settings : Hyperemesis gravidarum, diuretic use, prenatal care.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC O99.280 Coding
O26.83

Electrolyte disorders complicating pregnancy

Hypokalemia specifically complicating pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium.

E87.6

Hypokalemia

Generalized hypokalemia, not specific to pregnancy.

O09

Supervision of high-risk pregnancy

May be used if hypokalemia contributes to a high-risk pregnancy.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Low potassium during pregnancy.
Potassium deficiency, unspecified.
Gestational transient hypertension.

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Hypokalemia in pregnancy diagnosis documented
  • Serum potassium level <3.5 mEq/L noted
  • Symptoms (e.g., fatigue, muscle weakness) recorded
  • ECG findings (if performed) documented
  • Underlying causes and treatment plan documented

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Hypokalemia

    Coding unspecified hypokalemia (E87.6) without documenting cause during pregnancy lacks specificity for accurate reimbursement and quality metrics.

  • Missed Secondary Conditions

    Failing to code associated conditions like hyperemesis gravidarum (O21.1) or gestational diabetes (O24.4) with hypokalemia impacts risk adjustment.

  • Inadequate Documentation

    Insufficient documentation of severity, treatment, and monitoring of hypokalemia can lead to coding errors and compliance issues.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document potassium levels, sources, and output (ICD-10 O26.83, E87.6).
  • Monitor EKG for flat/inverted T waves, U waves (SNOMED CT 713427006).
  • Administer oral or IV potassium chloride as prescribed; CDI: route/dose.
  • Educate patient on dietary potassium intake; document dietary plan.
  • Review medications impacting potassium; reassess; compliant prescribing.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Verify low serum potassium <3.5 mEq/L (ICD-10: E87.6). Document severity.
  • 2. Assess symptoms (e.g., weakness, fatigue, constipation). Rule out other causes.
  • 3. Check medications. Document potential potassium-wasting diuretics.
  • 4. Evaluate ECG for U waves, T-wave flattening (SNOMED CT: 307788005).

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Hypokalemia in Pregnancy: Reimbursement and Quality Metrics Impact Summary
  • Keywords: hypokalemia pregnancy ICD-10 E875 O2689 diagnosis coding billing reimbursement quality metrics hospital reporting pregnancy complications electrolyte imbalance
  • Impact 1: Accurate E87.5/O26.89 coding maximizes appropriate reimbursement.
  • Impact 2: Affects quality metrics related to electrolyte management in pregnancy.
  • Impact 3: Impacts hospital reporting on pregnancy complications and readmissions.
  • Impact 4: Proper documentation crucial for justifying medical necessity and level of care.

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 O25.8 for pregnancy, E87.6 for hypokalemia
  • Document severity, cause, treatment
  • Check potassium levels, specify timeframe
  • Query physician if cause unclear
  • Link hypokalemia to pregnancy complications

Documentation Templates

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.