ICD 10 Code for Hyperkalemia: Causes, Symptoms, & Diagnosis

Table of Contents

What is Hyperkalemia?

Hyperkalemia is a medical condition that occurs when the level of potassium in the blood is too high. Potassium is an essential mineral that helps regulate the balance of fluids and electrolytes, the function of nerves and muscles, and the heart’s rhythm.

Symptoms

If the potassium level exceeds the normal range, it can cause serious complications such as irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, paralysis, and cardiac arrest. The normal value range for serum potassium is typically between 3.5 to 5.0 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L).

ICD 10 Code for Hyperkalemia

The ICD-10 code for hyperkalemia is E87.5. ICD-10 stands for International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision. It is a system of codes that classify diseases and health problems according to standardized definitions and criteria. It is used by healthcare providers and payers to document, communicate, and reimburse for medical services.

The code E87.5 belongs to the category E87, which covers other fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance disorders. The code E87.5 specifies that the disorder is hyperkalemia, which means potassium excess or overload. The code E87.5 can be used to indicate a diagnosis of hyperkalemia for reimbursement purposes.

The code E87.5 does not include any information about the cause, severity, or complications of hyperkalemia. Therefore, it may be necessary to use additional codes to provide more details about the condition. For example:

If hyperkalemia is due to a drug or substance, such as an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitor), a potassium-sparing diuretic, or a salt substitute, the code T50.9X1A (Poisoning by unspecified drugs, medicaments, and biological substances, accidental [unintentional], initial encounter) can be used along with E87.5.
If hyperkalemia is due to a renal disorder, such as acute or chronic kidney failure, diabetic nephropathy, or renal tubular acidosis, the appropriate code from category N17-N19 (Acute kidney failure and chronic kidney disease) can be used along with E87.5.
If hyperkalemia is due to an endocrine disorder, such as Addison’s disease, hypoaldosteronism, or congenital adrenal hyperplasia, the appropriate code from category E25-E34 (Disorders of the adrenal gland) can be used along with E87.5.
If hyperkalemia is due to a metabolic disorder, such as diabetic ketoacidosis, lactic acidosis, or rhabdomyolysis, the appropriate code from category E70-E88 (Metabolic disorders) can be used along with E87.5.

Diagnosis of Hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia is diagnosed by measuring the level of potassium in the blood. A blood test can also check for other electrolytes, kidney function, acid-base balance, and glucose levels. Depending on the suspected cause of hyperkalemia, other tests may be done, such as urine tests, hormone tests, or imaging tests. An electrocardiogram (ECG) can also be done to monitor the heart rhythm and detect any abnormalities caused by hyperkalemia

Treatment of Hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment to lower the potassium level and prevent cardiac arrest. The treatment of hyperkalemia depends on the severity and cause of the condition. Some of the possible treatments are:

Intravenous calcium stabilizes the heart muscle and prevents arrhythmias
Intravenous insulin and glucose shift potassium from the blood into the cells
Intravenous sodium bicarbonate to correct acidosis and lower potassium levels
Diuretics to increase urine output and excrete excess potassium
Medications that bind to potassium in the gut and prevent its absorption, such as sodium polystyrene sulfonate, patiromer, or sodium zirconium cyclosilicate
Dialysis to remove potassium and other waste products from the blood
Stopping or adjusting any medications or substances that cause hyperkalemia
Treating any underlying conditions that contribute to hyperkalemia

Prevention of Hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia can be prevented by avoiding or limiting the factors that increase potassium levels or impair its elimination. Some of the preventive measures are:

Following a low-potassium diet that avoids foods such as bananas, avocados, potatoes, tomatoes, beans, nuts, seeds, dairy products, salt substitutes, and chocolate
Drinking enough fluids to stay hydrated and maintain urine output
Monitoring blood potassium levels regularly, especially if you have kidney disease, diabetes, heart failure, or a history of hyperkalemia
Take medications as prescribed and inform your doctor about any side effects or interactions
Consulting your doctor before using any herbal supplements or over-the-counter products that may contain potassium or affect its balance

Conclusion

Hyperkalemia is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. The ICD-10 code for hyperkalemia is E87.5, which indicates an abnormal elevation of potassium in the blood. Depending on the cause and severity of hyperkalemia, additional codes may be needed to provide more information about the condition. Knowing these codes can help healthcare providers and payers to communicate and document the services performed and ensure accurate billing and coding.

FAQs

Q: What is hyperkalemia?

A: High blood potassium level causing heart and muscle complications.

Q: What are the causes of hyperkalemia?

A: Kidney problems, certain medications, endocrine disorders, metabolic disorders, excessive potassium intake.

Q: What are the symptoms of hyperkalemia?

A: Nausea, weakness, muscle cramps, chest pain, confusion, seizures.

Q: How is hyperkalemia diagnosed?

A: Blood tests, urine tests, ECG, and other diagnostic tests based on the suspected cause.

Q: How is hyperkalemia treated?

A: Intravenous calcium, insulin, and glucose, sodium bicarbonate, diuretics, medication adjustments, dialysis, addressing underlying conditions.

References

(1) 2023 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code E87.5: Hyperkalemia.
(2) 2023 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code E87.0 – The Web’s Free 2023 ICD-10-CM/PCS ….
(3) E87.5 – ICD-10 Code for Hyperkalemia – Billable.
(4) E87.5 – Hyperkalemia – ICD List 2023.

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