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ICD-10 Coding for Acquired Hypothyroidism(E03.9, E03.2, E03.4, E89.0)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Acquired Hypothyroidism. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

HypothyroidismUnderactive Thyroid

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Acquired Hypothyroidism

E03.0-E03.9Primary Range

Other hypothyroidism

This range includes various forms of hypothyroidism, including acquired types.

Postprocedural hypothyroidism

Used for hypothyroidism resulting from medical procedures.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E03.9Unspecified hypothyroidismUse when the cause of hypothyroidism is not specified.
  • Elevated TSH levels
  • Low FT4 levels
E03.2Hypothyroidism due to medications and other exogenous substancesUse when hypothyroidism is caused by medication.
  • Documentation of drug use causing hypothyroidism
E03.4Autoimmune hypothyroidismUse when hypothyroidism is due to autoimmune causes.
  • Positive TPO antibodies
E89.0Postprocedural hypothyroidismUse when hypothyroidism follows a medical procedure.
  • History of thyroid surgery or radiation

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for acquired hypothyroidism

Essential facts and insights about Acquired Hypothyroidism

The ICD-10 code for unspecified acquired hypothyroidism is E03.9. Specific causes like drug-induced or autoimmune hypothyroidism have different codes such as E03.2 and E03.4 respectively.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for acquired hypothyroidism

Unspecified hypothyroidism
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • TSH >10 uIU/mL with low FT4

Applicable To

  • Hypothyroidism NOS

Excludes

  • Congenital hypothyroidism (E03.1)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Elevated TSH levels
  • Low FT4 levels

Code-Specific Risks

  • Overuse when specific etiology is documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies if hypothyroidism is acquired.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Fatigue

R53.83
Use to document fatigue as a symptom of hypothyroidism.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Congenital hypothyroidism

E03.1
Use for congenital cases, not acquired.

Autoimmune hypothyroidism

E03.4
Use when autoimmune etiology is confirmed.

Postprocedural hypothyroidism

E89.0
Use for post-surgical cases.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Acquired Hypothyroidism to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E03.9.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates for documentation, Educate staff on coding requirements

Impact

Reimbursement: May affect DRG assignment and reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Reduces data accuracy for clinical research.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes like E03.2 or E03.4 when etiology is known.

Impact

Risk of audits due to unspecified hypothyroidism coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports specific etiology coding.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Acquired Hypothyroidism, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Acquired Hypothyroidism

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Acquired Hypothyroidism. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Autoimmune hypothyroidism diagnosis

Specialty: Endocrinology

Required Elements

  • TSH and FT4 levels
  • TPO antibody results
  • Symptom documentation

Example Documentation

Assessment: Autoimmune hypothyroidism confirmed by TPO antibodies >900 IU/mL. Plan: Start Levothyroxine 75 mcg daily.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Hypothyroidism - start medication.
Good Documentation Example
Autoimmune hypothyroidism (E03.4), TSH 18 uIU/mL, TPO antibodies 1200 IU/mL. Start Levothyroxine 75 mcg daily.
Explanation
The good example specifies etiology and includes lab results, improving specificity and compliance.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Acquired Hypothyroidism? Ask your questions below.

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