Acidosis

This code represents a pathological state characterized by an increase in the acidity of the blood and other body tissues, typically due to an accumulation of acid or a loss of bicarbonate. It indicates a disturbance in the body's acid-base balance, where the arterial pH falls below the normal range.

Use this code when documentation specifies a diagnosis of acidosis, without further specificity regarding the type (e.g., metabolic or respiratory). This code is appropriate for general acidosis diagnoses or when the specific etiology is not yet determined or documented. Supporting documentation would include arterial blood gas (ABG) results showing a low pH.

• Do not use this code if a more specific type of acidosis (e.g., metabolic acidosis, respiratory acidosis) is documented.
• Always review the medical record for underlying causes of acidosis, as these conditions should be coded first.
• This code is often a secondary diagnosis, reflecting a complication or manifestation of another primary condition.