E11.641

HCC Category Mapping

What This Code Means

Type 2 diabetes causing dangerously low blood sugar levels that result in loss of consciousness or coma.

Coding Tips

• •This is a medical emergency; ensure documentation clearly indicates hypoglycemic coma occurred
• •Verify the hypoglycemia was confirmed by blood glucose measurement when possible

Clinical Significance

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with hypoglycemia with coma is a life-threatening acute complication more commonly seen in elderly patients on sulfonylureas or insulin therapy. Hypoglycemic coma in Type 2 diabetes may be prolonged and more difficult to reverse than in Type 1 due to longer-acting oral medications and impaired counter-regulatory hormonal responses. This condition carries significant mortality and morbidity risk, including permanent neurological damage from prolonged cerebral glucose deprivation.

Documentation Requirements

• ✓Documentation must clearly state hypoglycemic coma occurred in a Type 2 diabetic patient, including blood glucose levels, duration of unconsciousness, precipitating medication(s), treatment administered, and neurological recovery.
• ✓The specific diabetes medication causing hypoglycemia should be identified when possible.
• ✓Emergency department or hospital records should include Glasgow Coma Scale scores and monitoring documentation.

Commonly Confused Codes