Q&A: Coding for hyperosmolarity with Type 1 diabetes

Q: Why is there no ICD-10-CM code for hyperosmolarity with Type 1 diabetes when there is a code for hyperosmolarity with Type 2 diabetes?

A: To code for hyperosmolarity with Type 2 diabetes, you might want to consider reporting code E13.00 (other specified diabetes mellitus with hyperosmolarity without nonketotic hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar coma). It follows the same coding logic as Type 2 diabetes with ketoacidosis. The reason why there is no code for this condition is because hyperosmolarity occurs more often with Type 2 diabetes, but can be diagnosed with Type 1. 

Editor’s note: Adrienne Commeree, CPC, CPMA, CCS, CEMC, CPIP, answered this question during the HCPro webinar, “2018 ICD-10-CM Coding Updates.” Commeree is a coding regulatory specialist for HCPro, an H3.Group division of Simplify Compliance LLC, in Middleton, Massachusetts.

Need expert advice? Email your questions for consideration in the Revenue Cycle Daily Advisor. Note: We do not guarantee that all questions will be answered.