Facebook tracking pixel
E87.2
ICD-10-CM
Metabolic Acidosis

Understand metabolic acidosis diagnosis, treatment, and documentation. Find information on metabolic acidosis ICD-10 codes, clinical features, causes like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), renal failure, and lactic acidosis. Learn about anion gap, serum bicarbonate levels, arterial blood gas interpretation, and compensatory mechanisms. Explore healthcare resources for managing metabolic acidosis, including diagnosis criteria and treatment protocols.

Also known as

Acidosis
Acute Metabolic Acidosis
Chronic Metabolic Acidosis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC E87.2 Coding
E87.2

Acidosis

Metabolic acidosis, unspecified

E87.20

Acidosis

Metabolic acidosis, unspecified, without coma

E87.21

Acidosis

Metabolic acidosis, unspecified, with coma

D66

Lactation disorders

Includes lactic acidosis in pregnancy and the puerperium

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the metabolic acidosis due to a known underlying condition?

  • Yes

    Is it due to Diabetic Ketoacidosis?

  • No

    Is it drug-induced?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Low blood pH due to acid buildup.
Low blood pH due to respiratory issues.
Kidney dysfunction causing acid buildup.

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document arterial blood gas (ABG) values.
  • Specify anion gap calculation.
  • Detail underlying cause of acidosis.
  • Document clinical manifestations.
  • Record treatment plan and response.

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Acidosis Code

    Using unspecified acidosis codes (e.g., E87.2) when a more specific metabolic acidosis diagnosis is documented, leading to inaccurate DRG assignment.

  • Lack of Etiology Documentation

    Insufficient documentation of the underlying cause of metabolic acidosis, hindering accurate coding and impacting case mix index (CMI).

  • Unbilled Compensatory Alkalosis

    Failing to code compensatory respiratory alkalosis when present with metabolic acidosis, resulting in lost revenue opportunities.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document underlying cause (ICD-10-CM specificity)
  • Arterial blood gas analysis: Key for diagnosis (CPT coding)
  • Serum electrolytes, anion gap: CDI query if missing
  • Monitor, document response to treatment for compliance
  • HCO3-, base excess: Include in documentation for severity

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Check pH < 7.35 and bicarbonate < 24 mEq/L
  • Calculate anion gap: Na - (Cl + HCO3)
  • Review patient history for diabetes, renal failure
  • Assess respiratory compensation: PCO2
  • Document cause, severity, and treatment plan

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Metabolic Acidosis reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10-CM coding (E87.2) and appropriate documentation of etiology.
  • Coding errors for Metabolic Acidosis impact DRG assignment, potentially reducing hospital reimbursement.
  • Quality metrics like length of stay, mortality, and readmission rates are affected by Metabolic Acidosis management.
  • Precise documentation of Metabolic Acidosis severity and treatment improves hospital quality reporting accuracy.

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
  • Code primary cause of acidosis
  • Specify acute/chronic status
  • Document AG/non-AG type
  • Check HCO3, pH values
  • Query physician if unclear

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with signs and symptoms suggestive of metabolic acidosis.  Clinical presentation includes [specific symptoms documented e.g., shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, confusion, lethargy].  Arterial blood gas analysis reveals a pH below 7.35, low bicarbonate (HCO3) level less than 22 mEqL, and PaCO2 may be normal or low depending on respiratory compensation.  Underlying causes are being investigated, including possible renal failure, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), lactic acidosis, salicylate toxicity, diarrhea, or sepsis.  Initial treatment focuses on addressing the underlying etiology.  Fluid resuscitation with intravenous fluids is initiated.  Electrolyte monitoring including potassium, sodium, and chloride is essential and will be followed closely.  Further diagnostic testing, such as serum electrolytes, blood glucose, urinalysis, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine may be performed to pinpoint the cause and guide treatment decisions.  Patient status, including respiratory rate, heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation, are being monitored continuously.  Patient's medical history includes [relevant medical history e.g., diabetes, kidney disease, recent infections].  Differential diagnoses include respiratory acidosis, and mixed acid-base disorders.  Coding considerations include ICD-10-CM code E87.2 for acidosis and additional codes for the underlying condition causing the acidosis.  Monitoring for complications, such as cardiac arrhythmias and altered mental status, is ongoing.  Treatment plan will be adjusted as per patient's response and diagnostic findings.
Metabolic Acidosis - AI-Powered ICD-10 Documentation