The primary ICD-10-CM code for hyperlipidemia is E78.5 (Hyperlipidemia, unspecified), a billable code reported when elevated lipid levels are documented without further specification of the lipid abnormality type.
Primary codes
Billable
Billable
Extension
—
7th character
—
POA exempt
No
Coding risks
- Assigning when documentation supports a more specific code
Hierarchy
Code comparison
Compare key differences between related codes to select the most specific option.
| Code | Description | Scenario |
|---|---|---|
| E78.5 | Hyperlipidemia, unspecified | Hyperlipidemia documented without specifying cholesterol, triglyceride, mixed, or familial pattern. |
| E78.2 | Mixed hyperlipidemia | Patient with elevated cholesterol and triglycerides documented together, without a familial etiology specified. |
| E78.00 | Pure hypercholesterolemia, unspecified | Patient with elevated cholesterol only, no triglyceride elevation or familial etiology documented. |
| E78.1 | Pure hyperglyceridemia | Patient with elevated triglycerides only, cholesterol not documented as elevated. |
| E78.010 | Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia [HoFH] | HoFH confirmed, with documentation specifying homozygous inheritance from both parents. |
| E78.019 | Familial hypercholesterolemia, unspecified | Familial hypercholesterolemia documented without specifying homozygous or heterozygous zygosity. |
| E78.011 | Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia [HeFH] | HeFH documented with one affected parent or a confirmed single pathogenic variant. |
Select the most specific code supported by the encounter documentation. More specific codes improve reimbursement accuracy and reduce audit risk.
Code ranges
Disorders of lipoprotein metabolism and other lipidemias
Category covering elevated cholesterol, triglycerides, mixed hyperlipidemia, lipoprotein deficiencies, and other disorders of lipid metabolism.
Metabolic disorders
Sub-chapter covering inherited and acquired disorders of amino acid, carbohydrate, lipid, and mineral metabolism, plus fluid and electrolyte imbalances.
Other and unspecified metabolic disorders
Category for metabolic disturbances not classified elsewhere, including protein metabolism disorders, metabolic syndrome, and unspecified metabolic conditions.
ABnormal findings on examination of blood, without diagnosis
Category for abnormal blood chemistry findings reported without a confirmed underlying diagnosis established by the provider.
Disorders of sphingolipid metabolism and other lipid storage disorders
Category for inherited lysosomal storage disorders affecting sphingolipid and other lipid metabolism, distinct from acquired lipoprotein disorders.
Coding risks
Avoid these common coding issues when reporting Hyperlipidemia.
Impact
Assigning E78.5 without stated fraction may miscode when mixed hyperlipidemia (E78.2) or pure hypercholesterolemia (E78.00) is actually supported.
Mitigation
Consider querying the provider when lipid fractions are absent rather than inferring from isolated lab values or medication class.
Related codes
Ancillary and co-coding
Codes commonly reported with the primary diagnosis on the same claim.
Z-code variants
Family history, personal history, or screening encounter codes related to this condition.
Differential codes
Alternative or commonly confused codes to consider when documentation suggests a different condition than the primary diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
Use E78.5 only when the chart documents hyperlipidemia without specifying the lipid abnormality. More specific codes like E78.2 take precedence when documented.
References
Compiled from the following authoritative coding references. Last updated 2026-08-04.