E78.5 Diagnosis Code – ICD-10 Guide for Hyperlipidemia & High Cholesterol (2025)

Patients often present with high cholesterol or abnormal lipid levels during routine checkups. To document and bill these cases correctly, providers use the E78.5 diagnosis code. This ICD-10 code confirms appropriate classification for hyperlipidemia when the type is not otherwise identified.

What is the E78.5 Diagnosis Code?

The E78.5 ICD-10 code is used for Hyperlipidemia, unspecified. Doctors select this code when a patient has abnormal lipid levels, but the exact type (such as high LDL or low HDL) is not confirmed.

In simple terms, it means the patient has high blood fats, but the condition is not narrowed down to a specific disorder.

When Should You Use E78.5?

Healthcare providers use E78.5 when:

A patient has high cholesterol or triglycerides, but no detailed classification.
Lipid levels are abnormal on lab reports, but additional testing is pending.
The condition needs to be tracked for insurance and billing purposes.

Tip: If a more precise condition is identified later (for example, pure hypercholesterolemia), you should update the diagnosis code.

Related ICD-10 Codes for High Cholesterol

To avoid confusion, it’s important to distinguish E78.5 from other cholesterol-related ICD-10 codes:

Code	Description	When to Use
E78.0	Pure hypercholesterolemia	Confirmed high LDL cholesterol
E78.1	Pure Hyperglyceridemia	Confirmed high triglycerides
E78.2	Mixed hyperlipidemia	Both cholesterol and triglycerides are high
E78.5	Hyperlipidemia, unspecified	Lipid disorder is present but not defined yet

As you can see, E78.5 is often the first code used until lab results specify the type of lipid disorder.

Why is Correct ICD-10 Coding Important?

Accurate use of the E78.5 diagnosis code is essential for:

Insurance claims – Payers require proper documentation.
Patient care – Coding helps track conditions over time.
Treatment planning – Correct codes support long-term monitoring of cholesterol.

Furthermore, incorrect medical coding may lead to denied claims or misleading medical records.

Final Thoughts

The E78.5 diagnosis code is widely used to classify hyperlipidemia and high cholesterol when the type of disorder is unclear. As testing progresses, providers may update to a more specific ICD-10 code, such as E78.0 for pure hypercholesterolemia. Accurate documentation, medical billers and coders can ensure claims are both compliant and efficient.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does ICD-10 code E78.5 mean?

ICD-10 code E78.5 is used to document unspecified hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol or triglycerides) when the specific type is not confirmed.

Is E78.5 the same as high cholesterol?

Yes, E78.5 is the general ICD-10 code for high cholesterol, but more specific codes (like E78.0 for pure hypercholesterolemia) should be used when the type is known.

Can E78.5 be used for billing insurance claims?

Yes. E78.5 is commonly used for billing medical visits, lab tests, and cholesterol management treatments when no specific lipid disorder has been identified.

What is the ICD-10 code for high triglycerides?

Elevated triglycerides are also included under E78.5 unspecified hyperlipidemia, but if identified specifically, other subclass codes may apply.

What lab values are associated with E78.5?

E78.5 is typically linked with high LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, or triglycerides on a lipid panel. Doctors use these labs to confirm the diagnosis.

Can children also be coded with E78.5?

Yes. E78.5 can apply to both adults and children if they present with elevated cholesterol levels, although pediatric-specific risk factors should also be documented.