Coding Tip: Reporting Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
This Coding Tip was updated on 12/4/2018
Kim Carrier RHIT, CDIP, CCS, CCS-P
Director of Coding Quality Assurance
AHIMA Approved ICD-10-CM/PCS Trainer
How do coders report diabetic ketoacidosis in ICD-10-CM?
For FY2018 there is a new code to report Type 2 diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This was previously reported with code E13.1-, other specified diabetes mellitus with ketoacidosis with or without coma. Now, there is a code specifically for reporting this diagnosis. E11.1- is used to report Type 2 diabetes with DKA with or without coma.
What is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
DKA is life threatening complication in patients with diabetes. This typically occurs in patients with type 1 diabetes but can also be found in patients with type 2. When a patient has DKA it is implied that they also have hyperglycemia so no additional code is needed to report that the diabetes is with hyperglycemia. A separate standalone code for hyperglycemia is also not reported and there is an excludes1 note in the tabular.
DKA occurs when the body produces high levels of blood acids known as ketones. This develops when the body isn’t producing enough insulin. When the body does not produce or have enough insulin, the body begins to break down fat as fuel. When the body switches to burning fat this produces a buildup of acids that are called ketones. Excess ketones build up and are spilled over into the urine.
Symptoms of DKA:
- Nausea & Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Breathing difficulties/shortness of breath
- Increased urination
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
- Breath that smells of fruit
- Excessive thirst
- High blood sugar level and ketone levels in your urine
Causes of DKA:
- UTI
- Pneumonia
- Other infection
- Gastroenteritis
- Noncompliance with insulin or inadequate insulin administration
- Pregnancy
- MI
- Stroke
- Drug and alcohol use
- Eating disorders
- Physical trauma
- Emotional trauma
- Certain medication uses especially steroids and diuretics
Treatment for DKA:
Insulin is given to reverse the process that caused the patient to go into DKA. In severe cases, this will be given intravenously. Once the blood sugar levels fall to be below 240 mg/dL and the blood is no longer acidic, regular insulin therapy can be resumed. Fluid and electrolytes will also be replaced. The fluids are given either via mouth or IV and are given to replace the fluid lost through excessive urination. The fluid replacement will also help to dilute the excess sugar in the blood. The electrolytes will be given intravenously and are sodium, potassium and chloride. This replacement will help keep the heart, muscles and nerve cells functioning properly.
Prevention of DKA:
- Strict adherence to insulin or oral medication regimen
- Monitor blood sugars and when uncontrolled treat with insulin as instructed
- Healthy eating and physical activity
- When ill or under stress, test your urine for excess ketones (test can be purchased over the counter)
- Seek emergency medical care if DKA is suspected before it gets out of control
References:
ICD-10-CM Index
AHA Coding Clinic, Fourth Quarter 2017 Page: 6
mayoclinic.org
wikipedia.org
Happy Coding!
The information contained in this coding advice is valid at the time of posting. Viewers are encouraged to research subsequent official guidance in the areas associated with the topic as they can change rapidly.
Popular Posts
Coding Tip: Reporting Vaping in ICD-10-CM | Effective on 4/1/2020
Effective with 4/1/2020 discharges, ICD-10-CM code U07.0 is used to report vaping -related disorders. ICD-10-CM code U07.0 (vaping related disorder) should be used when documentation supports that the patient has a lung-related disorder from vaping. This code is found in the new ICD-10-CM Chapter 22. U07.0 will be in listed in the ICD-10-CM manual under a new section: Provisional assignment of new disease of uncertain etiology or emergency use.
Telehealth and the Coronavirus
The US government and public-health officials are urging consumers to utilize telemedicine for remote treatment, fill prescriptions and get medical attention during the new coronavirus pandemic. The goal is to keep people with symptoms at home and to practice social distancing if their condition doesn’t warrant more intensive hospital care.
Coronavirus: Tips for Working from Home
Coronavirus: Tips for working from home. Companies around the world have told their employees to stay home and work remotely. Whether you’re a new to this concept or a work from home veteran, here’s some tips to staying productive from our #HIAfamily.
Part 3: Coder and CDI Communication Example | CDI Series
This is the final part of a three part series in which we address how coders can better interact with Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) professionals. In this part, we provide an actual example of an effective communication response to CDI.
Part 2: How Coders Can Address Coding Mismatches | CDI Series
This is part two of a three part series in which we address how coders can better interact with Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) professionals. In this part, we discuss mismatches and how to best go about resolving them. In part three we will provide a case example of best practice interaction.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter
Latest News
Coding Tip: Reporting Vaping in ICD-10-CM | Effective on 4/1/2020
Effective with 4/1/2020 discharges, ICD-10-CM code U07.0 is used to report vaping -related disorders. ICD-10-CM code U07.0 (vaping related disorder) should be used when documentation supports that the patient has a lung-related disorder from vaping. This code is found in the new ICD-10-CM Chapter 22. U07.0 will be in listed in the ICD-10-CM manual under a new section: Provisional assignment of new disease of uncertain etiology or emergency use.
Telehealth and the Coronavirus
The US government and public-health officials are urging consumers to utilize telemedicine for remote treatment, fill prescriptions and get medical attention during the new coronavirus pandemic. The goal is to keep people with symptoms at home and to practice social distancing if their condition doesn’t warrant more intensive hospital care.
Coronavirus: Tips for Working from Home
Coronavirus: Tips for working from home. Companies around the world have told their employees to stay home and work remotely. Whether you’re a new to this concept or a work from home veteran, here’s some tips to staying productive from our #HIAfamily.
Part 3: Coder and CDI Communication Example | CDI Series
This is the final part of a three part series in which we address how coders can better interact with Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) professionals. In this part, we provide an actual example of an effective communication response to CDI.
Part 2: How Coders Can Address Coding Mismatches | CDI Series
This is part two of a three part series in which we address how coders can better interact with Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) professionals. In this part, we discuss mismatches and how to best go about resolving them. In part three we will provide a case example of best practice interaction.
Part 1: How Coders Can Better Interact with CDI Teams | CDI Series
This is part one of a three part series in which we address how coders can better interact with Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) professionals. Many times these departments are separate and the remote environment makes it difficult to interact efficiently between the two departments. In part one, we will discuss the history and objectives of CDI so the coder has a better understanding of CDI’s role.
Coding Tip: Coding Diagnoses on Outpatient Encounters
One reason that coders should report chronic conditions (including history and status codes) on outpatient records is the HCC’s—Hierarchical Condition Categories. The quick and easy explanation of what HCC’s are is each HCC is mapped to certain ICD-10-CM codes or code ranges. HCC coding is designed to estimate future health care costs for patients.
Part 5: Top 5 ICD-10-CM Chapters 2019 | Acute Care Reviews
For Part 5 of this 5-part series, we will look at Chapter 4 within ICD-10-CM—E00-E89—Endocrine, Nutritional, and Metabolic Diseases. There is no possible way to include every guideline or coding reference for this chapter, but here are some of the most common issues.
Part 4: Top 5 ICD-10-CM Chapters 2019 | Acute Care Reviews
For Part 4 of this 5-part series, we will look at Chapter 10 within ICD-10-CM—J00-J99—Diseases of the Respiratory System. There is no possible way to include every guideline or coding reference for this chapter, but here are some of the most common issues.
Part 3: Top 5 ICD-10-CM Chapters 2019 | Acute Care Reviews
For Part 3 of this 5 part series, we will look at Chapter 9 within ICD-10-CM—I00-I99—Diseases of the Circulatory System. This chapter contains so many of the everyday diagnoses that we code such as hypertension, heart disease and stroke.
Part 2: Top 5 ICD-10-CM Chapters 2019 | Acute Care Reviews
For Part 2 of this 5-part series, we will look at Chapter 1 within ICD-10-CM—A00-B99—Certain Infectious and Parasitic Diseases. There is no possible way to include every guideline or coding reference for this chapter, but here are some of the most common issues.
Part 1: Top 5 ICD-10-CM Chapters 2019 | Acute Care Reviews
For Part 1 of this 5-part series, we will look at Chapter 21 within ICD-10-CM—Z00-Z99—Factors influencing health status and contact with health services. There is no possible way to include every guideline or coding reference for this chapter, but I’ll do my best to touch on some off the most common issues.
Coding & Quality Measures Tip: Social Determinants of Health
The HIM world has been buzzing recently with discussion of “Social Determinants of Health” and coded data. What does this mean for coders and the HIM field?
New ICD-10-CM Code for Vaping-Related Disorder
In response to the recent occurrences of vaping related disorders and in consultation with the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, the WHO Family of International Classifications (WHOFIC) Network Classification and Statistics Advisory Committee (CSAC) was convened to discuss a diagnosis code for vaping related illness for immediate use.
CDC Develops ICD-10 Code for 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is in process of developing a new code for the COVID-19 (coronavirus) that will be released October 1, 2020. In the meantime, the CDC has provided advice on coding the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Most Common DRG’s with Recommendations 2019: #1
We’re finally at the #1 most common DRG with recommendations by HIA for 2019. Just to recap, HIA reviewed over 50,000 inpatient records in 2019. Most have probably already guessed what the correct DRG would be with the most recommendations. There are just some diagnoses and DRG’s that will always be a thorn in the side for coders. #1 DRG with the most recommendations during HIA reviews : DRG 871—Septicemia or severe sepsis w/o mechanical ventilation >96 hours with MCC
Most Common DRG’s with Recommendations 2019: #2
We’re now at the second most common DRG with recommendations by HIA for 2019. Just to recap, HIA reviewed over 50,000 inpatient records in 2019. We are counting down to # 1. #2 DRG with the most recommendations during HIA reviews: DRG 872—Septicemia or severe sepsis w/o mechanical ventilation >96 hours w/o MCC.
Most Common DRG’s with Recommendations 2019: #3
In 2019, HIA reviewed over 50,000 inpatient records. Wow! That is a lot of records. Even with this large number of records, the DRG’s with recommendations are still the ones that coders typically see during audits. #3 DRG 190—Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with MCC.
Most Common DRG’s with Recommendations 2019: #4
In 2019, HIA reviewed over 50,000 inpatient records. Wow! That is a lot of records. Even with this large number of records, the DRG’s with recommendations are still the ones that coders typically see during audits. #4 is DRG 193—Simple pneumonia & pleurisy with MCC.
Most Common DRG’s with Recommendations 2019: #5
In 2019, HIA reviewed over 50,000 inpatient records. Wow! That is a lot of records. Even with this large number of records, the DRG’s with recommendations are still the ones that coders typically see during audits. #5 DRG with the most recommendations during HIA reviews : DRG 853—Infectious & Parasitic diseases with O.R. procedure with MCC
A Decade in Review: Pivotal HIM Moments
Pivotal moments in the Health Information Management field include the implementation of ICD-10, CPT Coding Changes, Acute care changes, profee changes, recovery audit contractor implementation, new ransomware challenges, Meaningful use and much more.
Part 3: Top 3 CM Chapters 2019 from ProFee Reviews
In 2019, we reviewed over 50,000 diagnosis codes from many different specialties for our Professional Fee clients. For the final part of this 3-part series, we will look at R00-R99 – Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified.
Part 2: Top 3 CM Chapters 2019 from ProFee Reviews
The Circulatory chapter is one that is identified every year as having a large number of coding changes. Many of these changes are related to documentation providing more specificity and, in some cases, less specificity than the codes reported. Below we will discuss some of the areas of opportunity in this chapter.
Part 5: New 2020 CPT Codes | Modifiers, Category III, Evaluation and Management, etc.
This is Part 5 of a five part series on the new 2020 CPT codes. For the remaining areas we will just briefly summarize the section. Due to the intricate nature of these sections in CPT, it is recommended that the coder read the entire section notes associated with the new codes.
Part 4: New 2020 CPT Codes | Digestive, Urinary, Nervous, Ocular and Auditory Systems
This is Part 4 of a five part series on the new 2020 CPT codes. In this series we will explore the CPT changes for FY 2020 and include examples to help the coder understand the new codes. There is 3 new digestive system codes with 1 deletion and 2 revised; 1 revised urinary system codes with new category III codes; 6 new with 20 deleted nervous system codes with 3 revisions; 2 new eye codes with 3 revisions; and finally a new category III auditory code.
Part 3: New 2020 CPT Codes | Cardiovascular System
This is Part 3 of a five part series on the new 2020 CPT codes. In this series we will explore the CPT changes for FY2019 and include examples to help the coder understand the new codes. There are 11 new cardiovascular CPT codes added with 8 deletions and 2 revisions.
Part 2: New 2020 CPT Codes | Musculoskeletal System
This is Part 2 of a five part series on the new 2020 CPT codes. In this series we will explore the CPT changes for FY2020 and include some examples to help the coder understand the new codes. There are 11 new musculoskeletal CPT codes added with 1 deletion and 0 revisions.
Part 1: New 2020 CPT Codes | Integumentary System
This is Part 1 of a five part series on the new 2020 CPT codes. In this series we will explore the CPT changes for FY2020 and include examples to help the coder understand the new codes. For 2020 in general, there were 248 new CPT codes added, 71 deleted and 75 revised.
Part 6: CPT Breast Education Series | Revision of Breast Reconstruction
This is Part 6 of a 6-part series focusing on CPT coding of breast procedures. There are many different types of breast reconstruction procedures, each having potential stumbling-blocks for coders. Part 6 focuses on revision of a reconstructed breast.