What is the ICD-10 code for abnormal total cholesterol?

The ICD-10 code for unspecified pure hypercholesterolemia is E78.00, used when LDL is ≥190 mg/dL without secondary causes.

How do you code familial hypercholesterolemia?

Familial hypercholesterolemia is coded as E78.01, requiring genetic confirmation or family history of premature cardiovascular disease.

ICD-10 Coding for Abnormal Total Cholesterol(E78.00, E78.0, E78.01)

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Learn about ICD-10 coding for abnormal total cholesterol, including E78.00 for unspecified hypercholesterolemia and E78.01 for familial cases.

Also known as:

High CholesterolHypercholesterolemia

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Abnormal Total Cholesterol

E00-E89Primary Range

Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases

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Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

Code	Description	When to Use	Key Documentation
E78.00	Pure hypercholesterolemia, unspecified	Use when LDL is ≥190 mg/dL without secondary causes or mixed lipid abnormalities.	LDL ≥190 mg/dL Exclusion of secondary causes such as hypothyroidism
E78.01	Familial hypercholesterolemia	Use when there is genetic confirmation or family history of premature cardiovascular disease.	LDL ≥190 mg/dL Family history of premature cardiovascular disease Genetic testing results if available
E78.2	Mixed hyperlipidemia	Use when both LDL and triglycerides are elevated.	LDL ≥160 mg/dL Triglycerides ≥200 mg/dL

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes

Pure hypercholesterolemia, unspecified

E78.00Billable

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions

Familial hypercholesterolemiaE78.01

Mixed hyperlipidemiaE78.2

Use when both LDL and triglycerides are elevated.

Pure hypercholesterolemia, unspecifiedE78.00

Use when there is no family history or genetic confirmation.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common issues when documenting Abnormal Total Cholesterol.

Coding familial hypercholesterolemia as unspecified

Impact

Clinical: Misrepresents the patient's condition., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement opportunities.

Mitigation

Verify family history and genetic testing results, Use E78.01 when familial hypercholesterolemia is confirmed

Using E78.00 for mixed hyperlipidemia

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to lower reimbursement., Compliance: May result in non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Affects the accuracy of patient records.

Mitigation

Use E78.2 if triglycerides are ≥200 mg/dL.

Missing documentation of secondary causes

Impact

Reimbursement: Lack of documentation can lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Data Quality: Leads to incomplete patient records.

Mitigation

Document TSH, creatinine, and alcohol use.

Use of unspecified codes

Impact

High risk of audit if LDL levels and secondary causes are not documented.

Mitigation

Ensure complete documentation of lab results and exclusion of secondary causes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements, coding pitfalls and FAQs for conditions coded with E78.00.

Primary Code

E78.00

Pure hypercholesterolemia, unspecified

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ICD-10 codes6

Coding risks4

FAQs2

ICD-10 Coding for Abnormal Total Cholesterol(E78.00, E78.0, E78.01)

Documentation & Coding Risks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICD-10 code for abnormal total cholesterol?

How do you code familial hypercholesterolemia?

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