What is the ICD-10 code for low blood sugar?

The ICD-10 code for unspecified hypoglycemia is E16.2. For specific levels, use E16.A1 for Level 1, E16.A2 for Level 2, and E16.A3 for Level 3 hypoglycemia.

How do you code hypoglycemia related to diabetes?

For diabetes-related hypoglycemia, use E10.649 for Type 1 and E11.649 for Type 2 diabetes with hypoglycemia without coma.

ICD-10 Coding for Low Blood Sugar(E16.2, E10.649, E11.649)

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Learn about ICD-10 coding for low blood sugar, including codes E16.2, E16.A1-A3, and diabetes-related hypoglycemia codes. Ensure accurate documentation and coding compliance.

Also known as:

HypoglycemiaLow Glucose

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Low Blood Sugar

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
E16.2	Hypoglycemia, unspecified	Use when hypoglycemia is documented without specific levels or related conditions.	Documented glucose level below normal range Absence of neuroglycopenic symptoms
E16.A1	Hypoglycemia, Level 1	Use when hypoglycemia level 1 is documented with glucose <70 mg/dL.	Documented glucose level <70 mg/dL Documentation of symptoms or lack thereof
E16.A2	Hypoglycemia, Level 2	Use when hypoglycemia level 2 is documented with glucose <54 mg/dL.	Documented glucose level <54 mg/dL Documentation of autonomic symptoms
E16.A3	Hypoglycemia, Level 3	Use when severe hypoglycemia is documented with altered mental status.	Documentation of altered mental status or need for assistance

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes

Hypoglycemia, unspecified

E16.2Billable

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions

Type 1 diabetes mellitus with hypoglycemia without comaE10.649

Use when hypoglycemia is due to Type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with hypoglycemia without comaE11.649

Use when hypoglycemia is due to Type 2 diabetes.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common issues when documenting Low Blood Sugar.

Failure to document hypoglycemia level

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate assessment of severity., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation

Train staff on documentation requirements., Use templates to ensure completeness.

Using R73.09 for hypoglycemia instead of E16.2

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate health records and data reporting.

Mitigation

Use E16.2 for hypoglycemia unless specified as abnormal glucose without symptoms.

Not linking hypoglycemia to diabetes when applicable

Impact

Reimbursement: May affect DRG assignment and reimbursement., Compliance: Failure to comply with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Incomplete patient records.

Mitigation

Include diabetes code with hypoglycemia when related.

Incorrect hypoglycemia coding

Impact

Risk of coding hypoglycemia without proper documentation.

Mitigation

Ensure thorough documentation of glucose levels and symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements, coding pitfalls and FAQs for conditions coded with E16.2.

Primary Code

E16.2

Hypoglycemia, unspecified

Quick Navigation

ICD-10 codes7

Coding risks4

FAQs2

ICD-10 Coding for Low Blood Sugar(E16.2, E10.649, E11.649)

Documentation & Coding Risks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICD-10 code for low blood sugar?

How do you code hypoglycemia related to diabetes?

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