 |
Hospital and Internal Medicine PodcastAuthor: Gil Porat, M.D., FACP, CPT
Intended for the medical professional who enjoys learning for the sake of it. Dr. Porat is a practicing Colorado Hospitalist and Board Certified in Internal Medicine. Language: en Genres: Fitness, Health & Fitness, Medicine Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
Listen Now...
Elevated Lactate vs Lactic Acidosis: Words That Change Care And Outcomes
Episode 92
Tuesday, 16 June, 2026
This episode clarifies the difference between an elevated lactate level (hyperlactatemia) and true lactic acidosis, which requires evidence of metabolic acidosis (low pH or low bicarbonate). It discusses common causes of raised lactate, why mislabeling affects treatment location and mortality risk, and how EHRs and coding practices can perpetuate the confusion. Listeners will learn when to document lactic acidosis versus elevated lactate, the clinical implications for resuscitation and disposition, and the importance of precise medical terminology. If you find elevated ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) in the blood, you don't diagnose the patient as having an ascorbic acidosis. Likewise, just because lactic acid is elevated in the blood does not mean it is an acidosis (though sometimes it can be - learn the difference).
