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
Metabolic acidosis, unspecified
Acidosis
Metabolic acidosis, unspecified, without coma
Acidosis
Metabolic acidosis, unspecified, with coma
Lactation disorders
Includes lactic acidosis in pregnancy and the puerperium
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?
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. |
Using unspecified acidosis codes (e.g., E87.2) when a more specific metabolic acidosis diagnosis is documented, leading to inaccurate DRG assignment.
Insufficient documentation of the underlying cause of metabolic acidosis, hindering accurate coding and impacting case mix index (CMI).
Failing to code compensatory respiratory alkalosis when present with metabolic acidosis, resulting in lost revenue opportunities.
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.