💻 How to Code for Diabetes Using ICD-10

ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision) is a medical coding system used to classify and code all diagnoses and conditions. When coding for diabetes, accuracy is essential to reflect the type, complications, and control status.

✅ 1. Start with the Basic Diabetes Categories

Diabetes Type ICD-10 Code Category

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus E10

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus E11

Other specified diabetes (e.g., drug-induced) E13

Gestational Diabetes O24

Secondary Diabetes Mellitus E08, E09

🧠 2. Know the Full Code Structure

ICD-10 diabetes codes are not just one code—they include details about the:

Type of diabetes

Complications

Control status

📌 Format:

Copy

Edit

E1x.xyz

Where:

x = Type (0 = Type 1, 1 = Type 2, etc.)

.xyz = Specifics like complications, manifestations, or control status

🔍 3. Common Diabetes ICD-10 Codes

🔷 Type 2 Diabetes (E11 Series)

Code Description

E11.9 Type 2 diabetes without complications

E11.65 Type 2 diabetes with hyperglycemia (poorly controlled)

E11.22 Type 2 diabetes with diabetic chronic kidney disease

E11.40 Type 2 diabetes with neuropathy, unspecified

E11.69 Type 2 diabetes with other specified complication

🔷 Type 1 Diabetes (E10 Series)

Code Description

E10.9 Type 1 diabetes without complications

E10.65 Type 1 diabetes with hyperglycemia

E10.21 Type 1 diabetes with nephropathy

E10.10 Type 1 diabetes with ketoacidosis without coma

👶 4. Gestational Diabetes (O24 Series)

Code Description

O24.410 Gestational diabetes, diet controlled

O24.414 Gestational diabetes, insulin controlled

O24.419 Gestational diabetes, unspecified control

Remember to also use a code for the weeks of gestation (e.g., Z3A.32 for 32 weeks).

💊 5. Drug- or Chemically-Induced Diabetes (E09 Series)

Code Description

E09.9 Drug- or chemical-induced diabetes without complications

E09.65 ... with hyperglycemia

E09.22 ... with chronic kidney disease

Also add the drug code (from the T36–T50 range) as a secondary diagnosis.

📋 6. Important Notes for Coders

Always code the type of diabetes first.

Specify complications (kidney disease, eye disease, neuropathy, etc.).

Don’t use E11.9 if complications are present—be specific!

Use Z79.4 to show if a patient is on long-term insulin.

Include pregnancy or gestational week codes when applicable.

🧪 7. Helpful Coding Tools

ICD-10 Lookup Tools (CMS, ICD10Data.com)

Code books or EHR-integrated search

Coding guidelines from the AHA or CMS

✅ Summary

Step What to Do

1 Identify the type of diabetes

2 Check for complications or manifestations

3 Determine if diabetes is controlled or uncontrolled

4 Add secondary codes (e.g., insulin use, pregnancy, drugs)

5 Use specific ICD-10 codes, not general ones like E11.9 when avoidable

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