Understand nocturnal hypoxemia diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment. Find information on clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10), and healthcare best practices for managing nocturnal hypoxemia. Learn about oxygen saturation dips during sleep, polysomnography testing, and effective treatment options for improved patient outcomes. This resource provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and medical coders dealing with nocturnal desaturation.
Also known as
Sleep apnea syndromes
Nocturnal hypoxemia often occurs in sleep apnea.
Respiratory failure, not elsewhere classified
Severe hypoxemia, including at night, may indicate respiratory failure.
Other specified abnormal breathing
Nocturnal hypoxemia can be a type of abnormal breathing.
Other secondary pulmonary hypertension
Chronic nocturnal hypoxemia can lead to pulmonary hypertension.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the nocturnal hypoxemia due to an underlying condition?
Yes
Is it due to COPD?
No
Code J98.2. Consider R09.02 if relevant.
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Low blood oxygen during sleep. |
Obstructive Sleep Apnea |
Central Sleep Apnea |
Patient presents with symptoms suggestive of nocturnal hypoxemia, including daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, and impaired cognitive function. The patient reports snoring and witnessed apneas observed by a bed partner. Physical examination reveals obesity with a neck circumference of 43 cm and mild hypertension. Polysomnography was conducted and confirmed the diagnosis of nocturnal hypoxemia, demonstrating recurrent episodes of oxygen desaturation during sleep, with a mean oxygen saturation of 88% and an oxygen saturation nadir of 78%. The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was calculated at 25 events per hour, consistent with moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Differential diagnoses considered included central sleep apnea, obesity hypoventilation syndrome, and heart failure. However, the polysomnography findings, along with the patient's clinical presentation, strongly support the diagnosis of nocturnal hypoxemia secondary to obstructive sleep apnea. Treatment plan includes weight loss counseling, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy initiation, and follow-up polysomnography to assess treatment efficacy. ICD-10 code G47.33 (Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome with excessive daytime sleepiness) is documented. Patient education provided on the importance of CPAP adherence and lifestyle modifications for managing sleep apnea and its associated nocturnal hypoxemia. Referral to a sleep specialist is made for ongoing management and optimization of CPAP therapy. The patient's prognosis is good with adherence to the recommended treatment plan and lifestyle changes.