Hyperchloremia of newborn

This code signifies an abnormally high level of chloride in the blood of a newborn infant. Hyperchloremia in neonates can indicate various underlying issues, including dehydration, renal tubular acidosis, or excessive chloride intake.

Assign this code when documentation explicitly states a diagnosis of hyperchloremia in a newborn. This diagnosis is typically supported by laboratory findings showing elevated serum chloride levels in an infant within the neonatal period (birth to 28 days of age).

• Ensure the documentation specifies "newborn" or "neonate" to differentiate from hyperchloremia in older pediatric patients.
• Distinguish from late metabolic acidosis of the newborn (P74.0), which is an Excludes2 note, indicating these conditions are distinct but may occur together.
• Look for associated conditions or causes, such as dehydration or renal dysfunction, which may require additional coding.