What is the ICD-10 code for high cholesterol?

The ICD-10 code for pure hypercholesterolemia is E78.0, used when LDL-C levels are elevated without elevated triglycerides.

When should Z13.220 be used?

Use Z13.220 for routine cholesterol screening without a prior diagnosis of a cholesterol disorder.

ICD-10 Coding for Cholesterol Disorders(E78.0, E78.1, E78.2)

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Learn about ICD-10 coding for cholesterol disorders, including hypercholesterolemia and mixed hyperlipidemia. Find documentation requirements, coding pitfalls, and billing considerations.

Also known as:

HyperlipidemiaDyslipidemia

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Cholesterol Disorders

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
E78.0	Pure hypercholesterolemia	Use when LDL-C levels are elevated without elevated triglycerides.	LDL-C ≥190 mg/dL Normal triglycerides
E78.1	Pure hypertriglyceridemia	Use when triglyceride levels are elevated without elevated LDL-C.	Triglycerides ≥500 mg/dL
E78.2	Mixed hyperlipidemia	Use when both LDL-C and triglycerides are elevated.	LDL-C ≥160 mg/dL Triglycerides ≥200 mg/dL
Z13.220	Encounter for screening for lipoid disorders	Use for screening purposes without a prior diagnosis.	Routine screening without symptoms

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes

Pure hypercholesterolemia

E78.0

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions

Hyperlipidemia, unspecifiedE78.5

Mixed hyperlipidemiaE78.2

Pure hypercholesterolemiaE78.0

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common issues when documenting Cholesterol Disorders.

Failing to document specific lipid abnormalities

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis and treatment, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation

Use structured templates for documentation., Regular training on coding updates.

Using unspecified codes when specific codes are available

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential for reduced reimbursement, Compliance: Increased audit risk, Data Quality: Decreased accuracy of health records

Mitigation

Ensure documentation supports the most specific code possible.

Lipid panel and direct LDL billing

Impact

Billing both tests on the same day without justification

Mitigation

Document medical necessity for both tests if billed together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements, coding pitfalls and FAQs for conditions coded with E78.0.

Primary Code

E78.0

Pure hypercholesterolemia

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ICD-10 codes6

Coding risks3

FAQs2

ICD-10 Coding for Cholesterol Disorders(E78.0, E78.1, E78.2)

Documentation & Coding Risks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICD-10 code for high cholesterol?

When should Z13.220 be used?

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