For a patient with type 2 diabetes and hypoglycemia, which code should the coder assign?

The correct code for a patient with type 2 diabetes and hypoglycemia is E11.649. This code specifically refers to type 2 diabetes mellitus with hypoglycemia, indicating not only the presence of diabetes but also the additional complication of hypoglycemia. In medical coding, it is crucial to provide a complete picture of the patient's condition, and this code effectively captures both elements.

Type 2 diabetes is classified under E11 codes, and the additional 649 specifies that the patient experiences hypoglycemia without coma. This distinction is vital for accurate documentation and treatment planning. Some of the other choices do not sufficiently address the full combination of conditions present in this scenario. For instance, the other codes relate to different forms of diabetes or unrelated conditions, failing to encompass both the patient's diabetes type and the associated hypoglycemia. Thus, E11.649 is the most appropriate choice for proper coding in this situation.