ICD-10 Code E78.9 – Disorder of lipoprotein metabolism, unspecified (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code E78.9 – Disorder of lipoprotein metabolism, unspecified
What it is
E78.9 identifies a disorder of lipoprotein metabolism when the specific type is not documented. Use it for an unspecified lipid-related metabolic abnormality affecting cholesterol or triglyceride transport.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Patients may have abnormal lipid testing, a history of dyslipidemia, or provider-noted lipoprotein disorder without further detail.
When to use this code
Use E78.9 when the record states a lipoprotein metabolism disorder but does not specify the subtype. It also fits when the clinician documents an unspecified dyslipidemia or lipid metabolism problem and no more precise code is supported. Check documentation before assigning a more specific code.
Do not use for
Do not use this code when the documentation identifies a specific lipid disorder, such as a defined hyperlipidemia type. Also avoid it if the abnormality is secondary to another documented condition and a more specific diagnosis is available.
Coding tip
Query for the exact lipid disorder whenever the chart only says “lipid abnormality” or “dyslipidemia.”