Elevation of levels of lactic acid dehydrogenase [LDH]

This code indicates an abnormal laboratory finding of increased lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH) in the blood. Elevated LDH levels can be a non-specific indicator of tissue damage or disease, as LDH is an enzyme found in many body tissues.

Assign this code when documentation explicitly states elevated LDH levels without a more specific diagnosis explaining the elevation. This is often used when the cause of the elevated LDH is still under investigation or when the elevation is an incidental finding. Supporting documentation includes lab reports showing LDH levels above the normal reference range.

• Do not code this if a definitive diagnosis explaining the elevated LDH is established (e.g., myocardial infarction, hemolytic anemia, liver disease); instead, code the definitive diagnosis.
• This code is typically a secondary diagnosis, as it represents a symptom or abnormal finding rather than a primary disease.
• Ensure the medical record clearly documents the elevated LDH level and that no more specific diagnosis has been made.