ICD-10 Code E78.00 – Pure hypercholesterolemia, unspecified (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code E78.00 – Pure hypercholesterolemia, unspecified
What it is
E78.00 identifies pure hypercholesterolemia when the record does not specify the type further. Use it for elevated cholesterol documented as a primary lipid disorder, without mixed dyslipidemia or another named cause.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Patients may have persistently elevated cholesterol noted on testing, and the chart may describe hypercholesterolemia, high LDL cholesterol, or a lipid disorder without additional detail.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents pure hypercholesterolemia and does not identify a more specific lipid disorder. It also fits when the note states unspecified hypercholesterolemia or similar wording without mixed lipid abnormalities. If the record suggests a secondary cause, check documentation before coding.
Do not use for
Do not use E78.00 for mixed hyperlipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia, or dyslipidemia with a specified subtype. If the condition is secondary to another disease or medication, code the documented underlying cause instead.
Coding tip
Code from the provider’s exact wording and do not assume the lipid type when the documentation is vague.