Hypokalemia ICD-10-CM Codes

Learn the ICD-10-CM codes for hypokalemia, its clinical causes, and coding guidelines for accurate medical billing.

By Audrey Liz Perez on Aug 8, 2025.

What ICD-10 codes are used for Hypokalemia?

Hypokalemia refers to a condition where potassium levels in the blood are abnormally low. Potassium is crucial for maintaining proper muscle function, heart rhythm, and fluid balance. Hypokalemia can result from gastrointestinal disorders like diarrhea or vomiting, renal diseases leading to excessive potassium loss, or certain metabolic disorders.

Here are the main ICD-10-CM codes associated with hypokalemia:

E87.6 - Hypokalemia

This is the primary ICD-10-CM diagnosis for hypokalemia. It covers a wide range of clinical presentations involving low potassium levels in the blood. It's a billable and specific diagnosis code under the metabolic diseases chapter and is typically used when the condition is confirmed through laboratory findings.

E83.40 - Disorders of potassium metabolism, unspecified

Use this code when potassium metabolism abnormalities are present, but not clearly defined as hypokalemia or hyperkalemia. It may be used as an interim diagnosis when a more specific diagnostic workup is pending.

E83.49 - Other disorders of potassium metabolism

This code applies to other specific potassium disorders that don't fall under E87.6 and E83.40. It may also include rare potassium abnormalities associated with endocrine or renal disorders.

G72.3 - Periodic paralysis

This code includes familial periodic analysis, a rare neuromuscular disorder that may be linked to hypokalemia. In such cases, potassium levels drop suddenly, causing episodes of muscle weakness or paralysis.

Which Hypokalemia ICD codes are billable?

All the codes listed above are billable under ICD-10-CM and can be used for reimbursement purposes. However, E83.40 and E83.49 are broader and may not be as specific as E87.6. For more accurate documentation and coding, E87.6 is typically preferred when hypokalemia is confirmed.

Clinical information

Hypokalemia is a form of electrolyte imbalance characterized by serum potassium levels below 3.5 mmol/L. It is most commonly caused by gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea and vomiting, or by renal secretion of potassium due to diuretics or tubular disorders. Metabolic acidosis, poor dietary intake, and endocrine disorders can also contribute to its development.

Here are more clinical details about hypokalemia:

Hypokalemia is manifested clinically by impaired nerve function, resulting in muscle weakness, spasms, and even paralysis.
It may also present cramps, constipation, or more severe symptoms like arrhythmias, especially in patients with existing neuromuscular disorders or cardiac conditions.
It can cause an abnormal heart rhythm in some patients, impacting their electrical activity.
In rare cases, nutritional deficiencies, such as inadequate dietary potassium intake, can also lead to hypokalemia.
Potassium can be lost through the gastrointestinal route, particularly in conditions like chronic diarrhea or persistent vomiting.
Hypokalemia can lead to increased blood pressure, posing risks for hypertension.
Chronic kidney disease or an imbalance in the endocrine system, like excess aldosterone production, can result in hypokalemia.
Electrocardiographic abnormalities such as flattened T waves and prominent U waves are hallmark features. In rare cases, familial periodic paralysis, a neuromuscular disorder ranging from mild weakness to complete paralysis, may also manifest due to hypokalemia.

Synonyms include

Hypopotassemia
Low Serum potassium level
Decreased potassium level
Potassium deficiency
K+ deficit
Potassium K deficiency

Additional ICD-10 codes

These codes may appear alongside hypokalemia if related symptoms or conditions are present:

R53.1 – Weakness
R63.5 – Abnormal weight gain or loss
R11.2 – Nausea with vomiting
E86.0 – Dehydration
N25.81 – Hypokalemia of renal origin
K52.9 – Noninfective gastroenteritis and colitis, unspecified

Commonly asked questions

It may result from diarrhea, vomiting, use of diuretics, or chronic conditions such as renal disease or endocrine disorders.

Diagnosis is made via a blood test showing low serum potassium, along with clinical symptoms and history.

Yes, if untreated. It can cause cardiac arrhythmias, muscle paralysis, and neuromuscular complications.

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