What is the ICD-10 code for elevated lactic acid?

The primary ICD-10 code for lactic acidosis is E87.2, used when both elevated lactate and acidosis are present.

How is lactic acidosis documented?

Lactic acidosis documentation should include pH <7.35, lactate ≥5 mmol/L, and the underlying cause.

ICD-10 Coding for Elevated Lactic Acid(E87.2, E10.10, R74.02)

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Learn about ICD-10 coding for elevated lactic acid, including documentation requirements and common pitfalls. Ensure accurate coding with E87.2 for lactic acidosis.

Also known as:

HyperlactatemiaLactic Acidosis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Elevated Lactic Acid

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
E87.2	Metabolic acidosis	Use when both elevated lactate and acidosis are present.	pH <7.35 Lactate ≥5 mmol/L
R74.02	Elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)	Use only for elevated LDH without acidosis.	LDH > reference range
R89.8	Other abnormal findings of blood chemistry	Use for elevated lactate without acidosis or LDH involvement.	Lactate >2.5 mmol/L without acidosis

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes

Acidosis

E87.2

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions

Type 1 diabetes mellitus with ketoacidosisE10.10

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common issues when documenting Elevated Lactic Acid.

Confusing LDH with lactic acid

Impact

Clinical: Misdiagnosis risk., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation

Verify lab results for LDH vs. lactate., Educate staff on differences.

Misapplying R74.02 for lactic acid

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation

Confirm LDH lab results before using R74.02.

Overcoding inherent acidosis

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential overpayment risk., Compliance: Violation of coding rules., Data Quality: Misleading clinical data.

Mitigation

Apply Excludes1 notes for E87.2 with DKA.

Undocumented pH

Impact

Reimbursement: Claims may be denied for lack of evidence., Compliance: Incomplete documentation., Data Quality: Lack of clinical validation.

Mitigation

Query if pH is missing.

Incorrect coding of lactic acidosis

Impact

Risk of coding E87.2 without proper documentation.

Mitigation

Ensure documentation includes pH and lactate levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements, coding pitfalls and FAQs for conditions coded with E87.2.

Primary Code

E87.2

Acidosis

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ICD-10 codes5

Coding risks5

FAQs2

ICD-10 Coding for Elevated Lactic Acid(E87.2, E10.10, R74.02)

Documentation & Coding Risks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICD-10 code for elevated lactic acid?

How is lactic acidosis documented?

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