What is the ICD-10 code for hypoglycemia?

The ICD-10-CM code for hypoglycemia is E16.2 when documented without further specification. More specific documentation changes the code — see the scenario table.

Yes — E16.2 is a billable ICD-10-CM code, but payers expect the most specific code the documentation supports.

ICD-10 Code for hypoglycemia

The ICD-10-CM code for hypoglycemia is E16.2 when documented without further specification. Hypoglycemia codes in category E16. E16.2 is unspecified (non-diabetic) hypoglycemia. Per its Excludes1, a diabetic's hypoglycemia is coded to the diabetes-with-hypoglycemia combination codes (E08.649-E13.649), not E16.2. Use an additional code for the hypoglycemia level (E16.A-) when documented.

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Symptom code vs. confirmed diagnosis

E16.2 is a confirmed-diagnosis code for documented non-diabetic hypoglycemia, not a bare low-glucose reading. Per the Excludes1, when the patient has diabetes the hypoglycemia is coded with the diabetes-with-hypoglycemia code (e.g., E11.649), not E16.2.

Which Code Should You Use?

E16.2 ✓ Billable — Hypoglycemia, unspecified

Hypoglycemia, unspecified (non-diabetic), with no cause or level specified.

E16.0 ✓ Billable — Drug-induced hypoglycemia without coma

Drug-induced hypoglycemia without coma.

E16.1 ✓ Billable — Other hypoglycemia

Other (specified non-diabetic) hypoglycemia.

E11.649 ✓ Billable — Type 2 diabetes mellitus with hypoglycemia without coma

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with hypoglycemia without coma - a diabetic's hypoglycemia is coded here, not E16.2 (Excludes1).

What to Document

Whether the patient has diabetes, since per the Excludes1 a diabetic's hypoglycemia is coded to E08.649/E10.649/E11.649/E13.649, not E16.2.
The hypoglycemia level when documented - E16.2 carries a use-additional-code instruction for the level (E16.A1, E16.A2, or E16.A3).
Whether the hypoglycemia is drug-induced (E16.0) or another specified type (E16.1).

Common Documentation Pitfalls

Per the Excludes1, do not assign E16.2 for a diabetic patient's hypoglycemia - use the diabetes-with-hypoglycemia combination code (e.g., E11.649).
Per the use-additional-code note, report the hypoglycemia level (E16.A-) in addition when the provider documents it.
Drug-induced hypoglycemia is E16.0, distinct from the unspecified E16.2.

Instructional Notes for E16.2

Excludes1

Not coded here. These conditions should NOT be coded together with E16.2.

diabetes with hypoglycemia (E08.649, E10.649, E11.649, E13.649)

Use Additional Code

code for hypoglycemia level, if applicable (E16.A-)

Also Known As

Official ICD-10-CM Alphabetic Index terms that point to E16.2:

McQuarrie's syndrome (idiopathic familial hypoglycemia)
Glycopenia
Hypoglycemia (spontaneous)
Syndrome › McQuarrie's
Decrease (d) › glucose
Syndrome › hypoglycemic (familial) (neonatal)
Encephalopathy (acute) › hypoglycemic
Decrease (d) › blood › glucose

Coding Notes

E16.2 is unspecified non-diabetic hypoglycemia. Its Excludes1 sends a diabetic's hypoglycemia to the diabetes combination codes (E08.649, E10.649, E11.649, E13.649). A use-additional-code note directs reporting the hypoglycemia level (E16.A1-E16.A3) when documented.