Hyperlipidemia, as the term suggests, indicates a state of high lipid levels in the bloodstream. The specific code allocated to hyperlipidemia ICD 10, with additional subtypes, such as E78.0, E78.1, E78.2, and E78.4, corresponding to pure hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, mixed hyperlipidemia, and others.
Similarly, these codes are imperative to the primary analysis hyperlipidemia requires, which is blood cholesterol testing. However, lifestyle modifications and medication prove most effective. Keep reading this interesting information, and read the blog until the end to get the informative gems. Let’s find out what truly matters!
What is Hyperlipidemia?
Hyperlipidemia or high cholesterol means that you have too much fat in your blood. Your liver produces cholesterol to aid digestion and to create hormones. But you also derive cholesterol from foods such as meat and dairy. Because your liver produces all the cholesterol you need, extra from food can accumulate in your body. Well, that’s interesting. Too much cholesterol can build up and clog your arteries, which are essentially the highways for your blood. A cholesterol level between 200 and 239 mg/dL is borderline high, and 240 mg/dL or more is too high.
For smooth and error-free medical coding, you may contact us at MAVA Care. We are here to assist you and handle all the tasks that further include AR follow-up, payment posting, eligibility verification, and medical credentialing services.
ICD 10 Code for Hyperlipidemia
The corresponding ICD 10 code for hyperlipidemia is E78. E78 is designated to classify disorders in lipoprotein metabolism and other lipid abnormalities, which are sicknesses; when cholesterol in the blood exceeds the normal range, it leads to various heart issues (Diseases) subsequently (Neurological problems).Furthermore, hyperlipidemia is a condition that has a lot of reasons for its existence, like hereditary, type of food, lifestyle, diseases, etc. The correct identification and management of hyperlipidemia is very important as high cholesterol level increases the rate of Heart attack, brain stroke, and heart disease risks.
Hence, in a clinical context, medical professionals use ICD 10 hyperlipidemia E78 to record the existence or exposure of hyperlipidemia in a patient so that a consultation can be made.
Mixed Hyperlipidemia ICD-10
ICD-10-CM code E78.2 edits encompass high cholesterol and high triglyceride levels. This condition is sometimes multifactorial, incorporating behavioral and genetic factors. Proper coding greatly relies on the correct diagnosis, which requires lipid panel testing.
Moreover, the treatment regimen usually consists of changes in dietary eating habits and physical activity, along with lipid-lowering drugs such as statins or fibrates. When coding information into clinical documentation, it is always helpful to list additional conditions, including familial hyperlipidemia and other secondary causes such as diabetes or even hypothyroidism. Thus, consistent treatment compliance and monitoring are effective in controlling lipid levels, after which the risk of heart disease.
You may also like to read: Guidelines and Documentation for Hypothyroidism ICD 10
Symptoms of Hyperlipidemia
Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol or high levels of lipids in the blood) is usually asymptomatic. However, in serious or long-term cases, it can cause complications that might manifest symptoms, such as:
- Xanthomas — Yellowish, fatty deposits under the skin, typically around the eyes, elbows, knees, or hands.
- Xanthelasma – Fatty deposits around the eyelids.
- Arcus Senilis – A gray or white ring encircling the cornea, observed in older people.
- Angina (Chest Pain) – From impaired arterial flow if heart disease results from hyperlipidemia.
- Leg Pain or Numbness — If it leads to peripheral artery disease (PAD).
- Stroke or Mini-Stroke (Transient Ischemic Attack – TIA) – If the cholesterol buildup causes a blockage in arteries in the brain.
Types of Hyperlipidemia ICD 10
1.Familial Hyperchylomicronemia
It is secondary to lipoprotein lipase (LPL) or Apo C-II deficiency. It increases chylomicrons in the blood, leading to a high TG level. Extremely high TG levels can cause pancreatitis, lipemia, retinitis, and hepatosplenomegaly. Eruptive xanthomas may also develop in patients with this condition.
2. FPS II Familial Hyperlipidemia (FH)
It involves the LDL receptor and ApoB-100, impairing the uptake of LDL cholesterol and resulting in cardiovascular disease at a younger age. Tendon xanthomas and corneal arcus problems are prominent. Despite a normal diet, patients may suffer from very high levels of LDL. Homozygous FH is more severe, leading to heart disease in childhood.
3. ApoE2 ((Apolipoprotein E)) Mutation
It results in the defective clearance of intermediate-density lipoproteins (IDL), leading to the accumulation of cholesterol and triglycerides and causing symptoms of atherosclerosis and peripheral vascular disease. Palmar xanthomata and tuberous xanthomata may develop in these patients. Obesity, diabetes, or hypothyroidism exacerbate the symptoms. Treatment includes dietary modifications, fibrates, and statins.
4. Familial Hypertriglyceridemia
A key cause is obesity, insulin resistance, and a higher chance of pancreatitis. Usually, the presentation includes eruptive xanthomas and hepatomegaly. Treatment consists of losing weight, eating a low carbohydrate diet, and medicating with triglyceride-decreasing drugs like fibrates, commonly seen in families with metabolic syndrome.
5. Mixed Hyperlipidemia
It is a combination of Type I and Type IV, causing elevations in both chylomicrons and VLDL. This leads to extremely high triglyceride levels, which result recurrently in pancreatitis and eruptive xanthomas. Patients may have lipemia retinal, and there is a greater risk of cardiovascular disease.
Hyperlipidemia CPT Code
The hyperlipidemia ICD 10 CPT code corresponds with the lipid disorder’s medical jurisprudence, which is specific to the level of procedure or service rendered. The two popular codes are:
- CPT Code 80061 is a lipid panel test for cholesterol determination. This test measures total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglyceride intake.
- CPT Code 99214 is an office or outpatient visit to evaluate and manage a patient, usually in hyperlipidemia, and requires a more complex history and examination
Therefore, feel free to reach out if you have follow-up inquiries or would like further information on this topic!
ICD 10 Hyperlipidemia Unspecified
The ICD 10 code for hyperlipidemia unspecified is E78.5. This code (which is for coding purposes) will capture a patient with an abnormal lipid level (cholesterol and triglycerides) in their blood without specifying the type of hyperlipidemia. Excessive lipids in the blood are one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases like coronary heart disease or stroke.
In addition, the hyperlipidemia, you should only assign E78.5, like E78.0 Pure Hypercholesterolemia or E78.1 Hypertriglyceridemia. Documentation is important, but when it’s lacking, then E78.5 is the code of choice. This will capture hyperlipidemia as a disorder but not the specific type.
Hyperlipidemia Vs. Hypercholesterolemia
Hyperlipidemia | Hypercholesterolemia |
| Cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. | A specific condition where cholesterol levels in the blood are abnormally high. |
| E78.5 (Hyperlipidemia, Unspecified) | E78.0 (Pure Hypercholesterolemia) |
| Cholesterol and triglycerides | Primarily cholesterol |
| Genetic factors, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, diabetes, metabolic disorders. | Genetic predisposition (e.g., familial hypercholesterolemia), high dietary cholesterol intake, metabolic disorders. |
| Obesity, diabetes, high-fat diet, lack of exercise, smoking, genetic factors. | Genetic factors, high fat intake, metabolic disorders. |
E78.5 Diagnosis Code for Hyperlipidemia
This ICD-10-CM code E78.5 applies to unspecified hyperlipidemia, which is a marked increase in lipids (fats) like cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. This condition increases the possibility of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes. In addition, hyperlipidemia is usually treated with diet changes and physical activity to improve the patient’s condition. In some cases, medications like statins or fibrates may be prescribed to help manage lipid levels.
Concluding Remarks
The Hyperlipidemia ICD 10 code is E78.5, which is beneficial when reporting and billing for a service. It assists with the diagnosis and classification of hyperlipidemia, which requires corrective actions such as lifestyle changes and medication prescriptions. Correct coding is a prerequisite for processing hyperlipidemia heart disease claims, reimbursement, and patient care statistical records. These codes also aid in tracking progress in research on public health issues related to cardiovascular diseases. Treating hyperlipidemia on time helps prevent complications like stroke or heart attack.
Ultimately, this also facilitates cooperation between healthcare specialists, improving the quality of services and compliance with clinical instructions regarding hyperlipidemia control. For more information about the CPT and ICD for hyperlipidemia codes and how, where and when it is used, you may contact MAVA Care. Our expert medical coders fix all the errors in medical coding and apply the correct codes. To avail of our services, simply call us, email us or visit our website.
FAQ’s
What is the ICD-10 code for hyperlipidemia?
Hyperlipidemia falls under E78.5 (Hyperlipidemia, unspecified). Other specific types include E78.0 for pure hypercholesterolemia.
Is hyperlipidemia the same as high cholesterol?
Although associated, hyperlipidemia is more than just high cholesterol; it incorporates numerous lipids (cholesterol and/or triglycerides), whereas high cholesterol only involves high cholesterol.
What is hyperlipidemia unspecified?
Hyperlipidemia unspecified (E78.5) is a broad categorization when specific types of lipid abnormality are not assessable.
What are the common causes of hyperlipidemia?
These are classified as hereditary, not enough nutrition, excessive body weight, sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, and certain types of medicine.
