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E83.42
ICD-10-CM
Low Magnesium

Find comprehensive information on low magnesium (hypomagnesemia) diagnosis, including clinical manifestations, lab tests (serum magnesium), ICD-10 codes (E83.4), differential diagnosis, and treatment options. This resource offers guidance for healthcare professionals on proper documentation, medical coding best practices, and optimizing patient care related to magnesium deficiency. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and management of hypomagnesemia for accurate clinical documentation and coding.

Also known as

Hypomagnesemia
Magnesium Deficiency

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : A low level of magnesium in the blood, essential for many body functions.
  • Clinical Signs : Muscle cramps, weakness, tremors, fatigue, nausea, and personality changes.
  • Common Settings : Hospital, outpatient clinic, primary care, and sometimes emergency room.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC E83.42 Coding
E83.4

Hypomagnesemia

Abnormally low level of magnesium in the blood.

E87.5

Electrolyte imbalance NOS

Unspecified electrolyte imbalance, including possible low magnesium.

R78.0

Hyponatremia

Low sodium levels, sometimes associated with magnesium deficiency.

R79.8

Other electrolyte abnormalities

Includes other unspecified electrolyte imbalances like low magnesium.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the low magnesium due to a drug (medicinal)?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Low Magnesium
Hypocalcemia
Hypokalemia

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document specific symptoms (e.g., weakness, tremors)
  • Record magnesium serum level (numerical value and units)
  • Note any related conditions (e.g., diabetes, alcoholism)
  • Document dietary habits and medication history
  • Specify diagnostic method if other than serum level

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Magnesium Deficiency

    Coding E83.5 (hypomagnesemia) without specifying cause (e.g., inadequate intake, malabsorption) risks underpayment and inaccurate clinical data.

  • Magnesium and Renal Disease

    Failing to document the relationship between Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and magnesium levels leads to coding errors and missed secondary diagnoses.

  • Drug-Induced Hypomagnesemia

    Omitting documentation of medications like diuretics or proton pump inhibitors as a cause of low magnesium impacts accurate coding and quality reporting.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document dietary intake, laxative use, & diuretic use for ICD-10-CM E83.4
  • Order serum Mg level for accurate diagnosis. ICD-10-CM R99.0
  • Monitor renal function & medications impacting Mg levels for CDI best practice.
  • Assess for symptoms like muscle cramps, tremors for accurate E83.4 coding.
  • Consider Mg supplementation when indicated, document response in chart.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Verify low serum magnesium <1.8 mg/dL (ICD-10-CM E83.4)
  • 2. Correlate symptoms: Tremors, weakness (SNOMED CT 422249002)
  • 3. Evaluate for contributing factors: Diuretics, PPI use
  • 4. Check other electrolytes: Calcium, potassium

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Low Magnesium (Hypomagnesemia) reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10-CM coding (E83.4) and supporting documentation for medical necessity.
  • Coding errors for Low Magnesium impact hospital revenue cycle, denials, and overall profitability. Proper diagnosis and procedure codes are crucial.
  • Quality metrics like patient readmission rates are affected by Low Magnesium management. Accurate coding reflects care quality and resource use.
  • Severity and cause of Hypomagnesemia impact DRG assignment and subsequent hospital reimbursement. Clear documentation justifies higher acuity levels.

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 E83.5 for documented hypomagnesemia
  • Check for other electrolyte imbalances
  • Document severity and symptoms
  • Consider secondary causes, code appropriately
  • Review lab results for serum magnesium levels

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with symptoms suggestive of hypomagnesemia, including muscle cramps, weakness, tremors, and tetany.  Additional symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, and personality changes may also be present.  Patient reports (insert patient-reported information related to dietary intake, medication use, and relevant medical history, e.g.,  history of Crohn's disease, diuretic use, or alcoholism).  Physical examination reveals (insert relevant findings, e.g., hyperreflexia, Chvostek's sign, Trousseau's sign).  Serum magnesium level is (insert value, e.g., 1.2 mgdL), confirming the diagnosis of hypomagnesemia or low magnesium.  Differential diagnosis includes other electrolyte imbalances such as hypokalemia and hypocalcemia.  ECG may show prolonged QT interval. Treatment plan includes magnesium supplementation with (specify route and dosage, e.g., oral magnesium oxide 400 mg twice daily) and addressing underlying causes.  Patient education provided on magnesium-rich foods and potential medication interactions.  Follow-up magnesium level to be checked in (specify timeframe, e.g., one week) to assess treatment efficacy and monitor for magnesium toxicity. ICD-10 code E83.4 (hypomagnesemia) is documented.