Primary Care Coding Alert
Reader Questions:
Use 250.8x to Represent Diabetic Hypoglycemia
Published on Wed Jun 13, 2007
Question: Our physician saw a hypoglycemic patient, but we aren't sure which hypoglycemia code applies. Do you have any advice on selecting an ICD-9 code?
Nevada Subscriber
Answer: If the patient has diabetic hypoglycemia, you should report 250.8x (Diabetic hypoglycemia).
If not, you should probably select one of the following codes, based on the physician's documentation:
- 250.3x -- Diabetes with other coma (diabetic hypoglycemic coma)
- 251.0 -- Hypoglycemic coma
- 251.1 -- Other specified hypoglycemia
- 251.2 -- Hypoglycemia, unspecified.
- 579.3 -- Other and unspecified postsurgical nonabsorption
- 775.6 -- Neonatal hypoglycemia.
Other Articles in this issue of
Primary Care Coding Alert
- Coding Standard E/Ms When FP Performs Observations Could Cost You
These 2 scenarios can help you get observation coding right each time If you-re not [...] - News You Can Use:
No Fooling: New NCCI Bundles Several Vaccine Codes
April 1 edits also tighten up hemoglobin coding The latest version of the National Correct [...] - You Be the Coder:
Stress-Test Code Depends on Physician Equipment, Involvement
Question: A morbidly obese patient who was having chest pains reported to the office for [...] - Here's Why 69210 Isn't the Answer for Every Cerumen Removal Claim
Choose an E/M instead if the cerumen is not impacted When the FP performs cerumen [...] - Reader Questions:
Check 'Artificial Menopause' for Estrogen Withdrawal Dx
Question: An established patient who had a hysterectomy six months ago came to the FP [...] - Reader Questions:
E/M Levels Vary for Migraine Patients
Question: What level of E/M service should I report when a new patient reports to [...] - Reader Questions:
Hydration Encounter Often Includes Separate E/M Service
Question: A patient who is complaining of diarrhea and extreme thirst reports to the FP. [...] - Reader Questions:
Use 250.8x to Represent Diabetic Hypoglycemia
Question: Our physician saw a hypoglycemic patient, but we aren't sure which hypoglycemia code applies. [...] - Reader Questions:
Extra Documentation May Be Necessary for Unlisted J Code Payment
Question: The FP performs an IV infusion of diltiazem HCl, also known as Cardizem or [...]
View All
