Lactic Acidosis ICD-10-CM Codes

What ICD-10 Codes are Used for Lactic Acidosis?

Each of these Lactic Acidosis ICD Codes helps medical professionals accurately document and classify the specific type of acid-base imbalance related to lactic acidosis and other related conditions.

• E87.21 - Indicates a diagnosis of acute metabolic acidosis, a condition characterized by an excessive buildup of acid in the body, which can include lactic acidosis. It develops rapidly and may result from various causes, such as diabetic ketoacidosis or lactic acidosis.

• E87.20 - Used when a patient has acidosis, but the specific type or cause is not specified. It serves as a general code for cases where the exact cause of the acidosis remains unknown or unrecorded, including potential cases of lactic acidosis.

• R74.0 - Indicates a nonspecific elevation of transaminase and LDH enzyme levels in the blood. Elevated LDH levels can occur in various conditions, including lactic acidosis. The code is used when the exact cause of the elevated enzyme levels is not clearly identified.

• E87.4 - Utilized to indicate the presence of a mixed acid-base disorder, where the body's acid-base balance involves multiple imbalances, potentially including metabolic acidosis like lactic acidosis, combined with other acid-base disturbances.

Which Lactic Acidosis ICD codes are Billable: 

The listed ICD-10 codes for lactic acidosis are billable. They serve to signify the presence of lactic acidosis in the patient's medical records and are instrumental in justifying reimbursement for the associated medical care costs.

Clinical Information:

Lactic acidosis is characterized by excess lactic acid buildup in the blood due to an imbalance in cellular respiration.

• Causes of lactic acidosis include heart failure, diabetes, liver disease, sepsis, certain drugs, and strenuous exercise.
• Symptoms of lactic acidosis include shortness of breath, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and seizures.
• Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve correcting problems, administering fluids, or providing breathing support.
• Prompt treatment typically leads to full recovery, but if left untreated, lactic acidosis can be fatal.
• Lactic acidosis results from an imbalance in the production and removal of lactic acid during cellular respiration.
• Underlying conditions like heart failure, diabetes, liver disease, sepsis, certain medications, and intense exercise can contribute to lactic acidosis.
• Common symptoms include shortness of breath, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and seizures.
• Immediate medical attention is crucial to prevent potential complications, as untreated lactic acidosis can be life-threatening.
• Treatment strategies focus on addressing the root cause, which may involve infection treatment, medication adjustments, IV fluids, or respiratory support.
• Timely intervention leads to positive outcomes, but neglecting treatment can result in severe consequences, including fatal outcomes.

Synonyms Include:

• Lactic acidosis metabolic
• Metabolic acidosis due to lactic acid
• Systemic lactic acidosis
• Lactic acidemia
• Lactic acid poisoning