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E87.1
ICD-10-CM
Hyponatremia

Understanding hyponatremia diagnosis, treatment, and documentation is crucial for healthcare professionals. This resource provides information on low sodium levels, hyponatremia symptoms, causes like SIADH, and appropriate ICD-10 codes for accurate clinical documentation and medical billing. Learn about hyponatremia management, serum sodium testing, and electrolyte imbalance implications for improved patient care and accurate medical coding.

Also known as

Low sodium
Sodium deficiency

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Low sodium level in the blood (below 135 mEq/L)
  • Clinical Signs : Nausea, headache, confusion, fatigue, muscle weakness, seizures
  • Common Settings : Hospitalized patients, elderly, athletes, diuretic use

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

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

Hyponatremia

Low sodium levels in the blood.

E86.0

Volume depletion

Loss of both water and electrolytes from the body.

E87.7

Electrolyte imbalance NOS

Unspecified disturbance of electrolyte levels.

R74.4

Abnormal sodium

Abnormal blood sodium levels, unspecified.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is hyponatremia drug induced?

  • Yes

    Which drug?

  • No

    Is there a known associated cause?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Low sodium levels in blood
Fluid overload, edema
Syndrome of Inappropriate ADH

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document serum sodium level <135 mEq/L
  • Specify hyponatremia type (hypovolemic, euvolemic, hypervolemic)
  • Document signs/symptoms (e.g., nausea, headache, confusion)
  • Assess and document fluid status (e.g., skin turgor, urine output)
  • Document underlying cause if known (e.g., medications, SIADH)

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Hyponatremia

    Coding unspecified hyponatremia (E87.1) without proper documentation of cause or chronicity risks underpayment and claim denials. CDI should clarify.

  • Drug-Induced Hyponatremia

    Failing to code drug-induced hyponatremia (E87.2) when applicable misses CC/MCC capture, impacting DRG assignment and reimbursement. Audit target.

  • Hyponatremia Severity

    Inaccurate coding of severity (acute, chronic, moderate, severe) leads to incorrect risk adjustment and impacts quality reporting. CDI intervention crucial.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document fluid intake/output, serum/urine osmolality for accurate diagnosis (ICD-10 E87.1)
  • Evaluate for SIADH, CHF, cirrhosis to specify cause impacting DRG assignment & CDI
  • Restrict free water intake per guidelines, monitor sodium levels for compliance & improved outcomes
  • Assess medications for hyponatremia risk, document changes for accurate billing (CPT, HCPCS)
  • Collaborate with pharmacy, dietitian for medication review, sodium management & quality care

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Verify serum sodium <135 mEq/L (ICD-10 E87.1)
  • 2. Assess patient volume status (hypovolemia, euvolemia, hypervolemia)
  • 3. Evaluate urine osmolality for SIADH vs. other causes
  • 4. Review medications for potential contribution to hyponatremia

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Hyponatremia reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10-CM coding (E87.1) and documented severity for optimal DRG assignment.
  • Quality metrics impacted: Serum sodium monitoring, fluid management protocols adherence, patient safety indicators related to electrolyte imbalances.
  • Coding accuracy crucial for hyponatremia; unspecified codes (e.g., E87.9) lead to lower reimbursement and potential audits.
  • Hospital reporting of hyponatremia rates tied to quality improvement initiatives and value-based care performance.

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 <135 mEq/L
  • Specify acute/chronic hyponatremia
  • Code underlying cause, if known
  • Consider fluid status, e.g., E87.7
  • Check for medication-induced cause

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with symptoms suggestive of hyponatremia, including [list presenting symptoms, e.g., nausea, headache, confusion, muscle weakness, fatigue, seizures].  Serum sodium level confirmed at [sodium value] mEqL, meeting the diagnostic criteria for hyponatremia.  Assessment includes evaluation for underlying causes, such as fluid overload, diuretic use, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), adrenal insufficiency, heart failure, cirrhosis, and renal failure.  Patient's medical history includes [list relevant medical history, e.g., hypertension, diabetes, heart disease].  Current medications include [list current medications].  Physical examination reveals [document relevant physical findings, e.g., orthostatic hypotension, decreased skin turgor, altered mental status].  Differential diagnosis includes pseudohyponatremia and other electrolyte imbalances.  Plan includes [list plan of care, e.g., fluid restriction, electrolyte monitoring, intravenous fluids, medication adjustments, addressing underlying cause].  ICD-10 code E87.1 (hyponatremia) is documented for medical coding and billing purposes. Patient education provided regarding hyponatremia management, including dietary sodium intake and fluid balance. Follow-up appointment scheduled to monitor serum sodium levels and treatment response.  The severity of hyponatremia is documented as [mild, moderate, or severe] based on the sodium level and presenting symptoms.  Treatment approach is consistent with established clinical practice guidelines for hyponatremia treatment and management.
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