ICD-10 Code E78.5 is a billable specific ICD-10-CM code used to report unspecified hyperlipidemia, a condition characterized by elevated levels of lipids (fats) in the blood. This 2025 ICD-10-CM diagnosis code falls under Endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases and is valid for diagnosis and reimbursement purposes under the 2025 edition of ICD-10-CM, effective October 1, 2024.
The American ICD-10-CM version of E78.5 remains consistent across the 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 billable specific codes, though updates to documentation standards encourage more precise classification when lipid types are known.
E78.5 identifies patients with elevated blood lipid levels when the specific type of triglycerides in the blood or lipid disorder isn’t documented. It is often used in medical billing and diagnosis when a full lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides) isn’t yet available.
Clinical Context:
This code is typically used for:
In ICD-10 documentation, annotation back references refer to the broader E78 category, covering disorders of lipoprotein metabolism and other Lipidemias.
Although hyperlipidemia may not cause visible symptoms, chronic elevation of lipids can lead to:
Early detection through lipid panel testing is crucial for identifying and managing these risks.
When a more specific diagnosis is known, coders should use a more detailed billable, specific ICD-10-CM code instead of E78.5:
Code | Description |
E78.0 | Pure hypercholesterolemia |
E78.1 | Pure hyperglyceridemia |
E78.2 | Mixed hyperlipidemia |
E78.3 | Hyperchylomicronemia |
E78.4 | Other hyperlipidemia |
E78.5 | Unspecified hyperlipidemia |
Context annotation back references in the ICD-10 manual note that E78.5 should not be used when a more precise lipid condition is documented.
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When coding with E78.5, follow these best practices:
Though commonly interchanged, these terms have different meanings in coding and clinical contexts:
E78.5 may be used when dyslipidemia is documented but lacks sufficient detail for more specific categorization.
Accurate documentation supports both clinical care and compliance. To code correctly:
Proper documentation ensures appropriate diagnosis for reimbursement purposes and minimizes claim rejections.
ICD-10 Code E78.5 continues to be a 2025 billable specific code for diagnosing unspecified hyperlipidemia, capturing cases where the type of triglycerides in the blood is not yet detailed. Correct usage promotes reimbursement accuracy and continuity of patient care.
By consistently updating codes, applying annotation back references, and transitioning from unspecified to specific lipid disorder codes, healthcare providers can improve compliance, reduce denials, and ensure better clinical revenue.
ICD-10 code E78.5 is used to describe Hyperlipidemia, unspecified. Which means elevated lipid levels in the blood without further specification.
Hyperlipidemia refers to a health condition where there are elevated amounts of fats, including cholesterol and triglycerides, circulating in the blood.
E78.5 is a billable specific ICD-10-CM diagnosis code used for unspecified hyperlipidemia, high levels of lipids or triglycerides in the blood without a defined type.
Doctors diagnose hyperlipidemia through blood tests that measure cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglyceride levels.
Hyperlipidemia refers to high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, while dyslipidemia refers to any abnormal lipid level, whether high or low.
Yes, ICD-10 code E78.5 is recognized by insurers for billing and reimbursement, but coverage depends on the patient’s insurance plan and medical necessity documentation.
The 2025 edition of ICD-10-CM, including E78.5, became effective on October 1, 2024, under the updated American ICD-10-CM version.
Related codes include E78.0 (pure hypercholesterolemia), E78.1 (pure hyperglyceridemia), and E78.2 (mixed hyperlipidemia).
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