Hypoglycemia, unspecified

📋Clinical Description

This code represents a state of abnormally low blood glucose that is not specified as being related to diabetes. It indicates a symptomatic or asymptomatic drop in blood sugar levels below the normal physiological range, without further detail regarding its etiology.

🎯When to Use

Use this code when documentation clearly states "hypoglycemia, unspecified" or "low blood sugar" without any mention of a diabetic condition. This code is appropriate when the cause of the hypoglycemia is unknown or not documented by the provider.

💡Coding Tips

Do not use this code if the patient has a documented diagnosis of diabetes and the hypoglycemia is linked to their diabetic state.
Always review the medical record for any underlying cause of hypoglycemia before assigning this unspecified code.
Query the provider if the documentation is unclear regarding the relationship between hypoglycemia and diabetes.

AI-generated reference — verify against official guidelines

Clinical Notes

Excludes 1 — Not coded here

diabetes with hypoglycemia (E08.649, E10.649, E11.649, E13.649)

Use additional code

code for hypoglycemia level, if applicable (E16.A-)

Code Hierarchy

▲E16Other disorders of pancreatic internal secretion

E16.2(current)

Crosswalks

251.2ExactICD-9 251.2ExactICD-9

Same Category

E16Other disorders of pancreatic internal secretion E16.0Drug-induced hypoglycemia without coma E16.1Other hypoglycemia E16.3Increased secretion of glucagon