Hypoxia ICD-10-CM Codes
Read this short guide and learn about hypoxia ICD codes you can use.
Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.
What hypoxia ICD codes I can use?
The terms hypoxia and hypoxemia are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Hypoxia refers to low oxygen levels in tissues, whereas hypoxemia refers to low oxygen levels in the blood. It's important to note that hypoxia can be caused by hypoxemia.
There are no specific hypoxia ICD codes because it accompanies certain problems instead of being the main problem. This means you will have to use ICD-10 codes for these specific problems. Here are some hypoxia-related ICD-10 codes you can use:
- I27.23 - Pulmonary hypertension due to lung diseases and hypoxia
This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a patient confirmed to have pulmonary hypertension because of lung diseases and hypoxia. Pulmonary hypertension is a condition where blood vessels in the lungs become narrow or blocked, increasing blood pressure in the lungs.
- J96.91 - Respiratory failure, unspecified with hypoxia
This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a patient confirmed to have respiratory failure with hypoxia. This problem happens when something prevents the patient’s blood from getting the oxygen it needs. Another possible reason respiratory failure can happen is due to something preventing carbon dioxide removal from the blood.
The unspecified part of this means it is not known if the respiratory failure is acute (this means the respiratory failure is sudden and can be life-threatening if not addressed as soon as possible) or chronic (it is a respiratory failure that’s caused by other problems and progresses over time). It’s best to use more specific codes if the type of respiratory failure has been identified.
- J96.01 - Acute respiratory failure with hypoxia
This ICD-10 code is the same as Item 2, but it is confirmed that the respiratory failure is acute.
- J96.11 - Chronic respiratory failure with hypoxia
This ICD-10 code is the same as Item 2, but it is confirmed that the respiratory failure is chronic.
- G47.30 - Sleep apnea, unspecified
This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a patient confirmed to have sleep apnea, which is a sleeping disorder characterized by the person who stops breathing while sleeping, so the brain activates and wakes the person up to resume breathing. If you’re wondering what this has to do with hypoxia, well, hypoxia can cause it, specifically central sleep apnea.
The unspecified means that the type of sleep apnea is not known or identified at the moment. There are different types of sleep apnea, like central, obstructive, and mixed/complex sleep apnea. Best to use a more specific ICD-10 code for this once the specific type is identified.
- H18.899 - Other specified disorders of cornea, unspecified eye
This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a patient confirmed to have certain disorders of the cornea that don’t have specific ICD codes. An example of such a problem can be corneal hypoxia. Corneal hypoxia is characterized by the lack of oxygen in the cornea, often caused by prolonged use of contact lenses. In the context of this ICD code, the affected eye hasn’t been identified.
Are these hypoxia ICD codes billable?
Yes. All of the aforementioned hypoxia-related ICD-10 codes are valid and billable?
Clinical information about hypoxia:
As previously mentioned, hypoxia refers to a condition where tissues lack oxygen. This is commonly caused by hypoxemia, which is the insufficient oxygenation of the blood. Conditions such as anemia, bronchitis, and pneumonia can lead to hypoxemia. When no oxygen is in the blood, oxygen distribution to the tissues is compromised.
This lack of oxygen can be risky because our cells require it to generate energy, allowing our organs and tissues to function optimally. While our tissues and organs can adapt to reduced oxygen levels to some extent, prolonged oxygen deprivation can result in organ damage and complications. If the heart and brain are affected, it poses a life-threatening situation for the patient.
Those who have hypoxemia will experience the following symptoms:
- Their heart rate will be faster than normal
- Their breathing will be faster than normal
- They will also have trouble breathing and will have shortness of breath
- They will likely have headaches
- They will also feel restless and anxious
Symptoms for extreme cases include slower heart rate and even cyanosis.
Synonyms include:
- Pulmonary hypertension due to lung disease and/or hypoxia
- Hypoxemic respiratory failure
- Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure
- Acute respiratory failure
- Chronic hypoxemic respiratory failure
- Chronic respiratory failure
- Corneal hypoxia
- Brain damage due to hypoxia
- Intrauterine hypoxia
- Fetal hypoxia
- Subdural hemorrhage due to intrapartum anoxia AND/OR hypoxia
Commonly asked questions
No. Hypoxia is the result of hypoxemia, which results from certain conditions. You’ll have to use specific ICD codes that are for particular conditions that can result in hypoxia, such as some of the samples above.
Healthcare professionals/providers will conduct arterial blood gas tests, pulmonary function tests, and/or pulse oximetry, to mention a few.
It depends on what’s causing it. It will likely be something like asthma, sleep apnea, or similar problems obstructing airways. Possible treatments include using CPAPs for sleep apnea, inhaled steroids, and diuretics.
