Cardiology Coding Alert

Question: Which diagnosis code applies to "elevated creatine kinase"?

New Mexico Subscriber

Answer: Nonspecific code 790.5 (Other nonspecific abnormal serum enzyme levels) is the most appropriate option for reporting these elevated creatine kinase levels.

MI clue: Patients with myocardial infarction (MI) symptoms may have elevated enzyme levels, as well. Physicians may send patients with elevated levels to the catheterization lab to determine the presence of MI. Don't make assumptions, though. You shouldn't report an MI code (such as 410.xx, Acute myocardial infarction) unless the cardiologist documents that diagnosis.