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ICD-10 Coding for Adrenal Gland Nodule(E27.9, D35.0x)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Adrenal Gland Nodule. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Adrenal IncidentalomaAdrenal Massadrenal tumoradrenal lesion

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Adrenal Gland Nodule

E27-E27.9Primary Range

Other disorders of adrenal gland

Covers unspecified adrenal disorders including non-functional nodules.

Benign neoplasm of adrenal gland

Used for confirmed benign adrenal tumors such as adenomas.

Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of adrenal gland

Applied when imaging is indeterminate and biopsy is not confirmatory.

Malignant neoplasm of adrenal gland

Used for confirmed malignant adrenal tumors.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E27.9Unspecified disorder of adrenal glandUse when imaging shows a non-functional nodule with benign characteristics.
  • Non-contrast CT HU ≤10
  • No hormonal hypersecretion
  • Size <4 cm
D35.0xBenign neoplasm of adrenal glandUse when biopsy confirms benign nature of the adrenal lesion.
  • Biopsy confirmation of benign histology
  • MRI showing lipid-rich lesion

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 adrenal gland nodule

Essential facts and insights about Adrenal Gland Nodule

The ICD-10 code for an unspecified adrenal gland nodule is E27.9, used when the nodule is non-functional and benign.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for adrenal gland nodule

Unspecified disorder of adrenal gland
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Non-contrast CT HU ≤10 and no hormonal activity

documentation Criteria

  • Imaging report specifying non-functional characteristics

Applicable To

  • Adrenal incidentaloma
  • Non-functional adrenal nodule

Excludes

  • Adrenal adenoma (D35.0x)
  • Adrenal carcinoma (C74.x)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Non-contrast CT HU ≤10
  • No hormonal hypersecretion
  • Size <4 cm

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if hormonal activity is present
  • Incorrect use without imaging confirmation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure imaging and hormonal studies are documented to support non-functional status.

Ancillary Codes

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

Abnormal findings on diagnostic imaging of adrenal glands

R93.6
Use to indicate abnormal imaging findings.

Differential Codes

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

Benign neoplasm of adrenal gland

D35.0x
Requires biopsy confirmation of adenoma.

Malignant neoplasm of adrenal gland

C74.x
Confirmed via biopsy and imaging showing aggressive features.

Unspecified disorder of adrenal gland

E27.9
Use when no biopsy confirmation is available.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Adrenal Gland Nodule to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E27.9.

Impact

Clinical: Ambiguity in treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the side of the body affected., Use templates that prompt for laterality.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect billing for benign neoplasm without confirmation., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure biopsy results are documented before using D35.0x.

Impact

Using D35.0x without biopsy confirmation.

Mitigation Strategy

Require biopsy confirmation before coding as benign.

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 Adrenal Gland Nodule, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Adrenal Gland Nodule

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Adrenal Gland Nodule. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Radiology Report for Adrenal Nodule

Specialty: Radiology

Required Elements

  • Nodule size and location
  • Non-contrast HU value
  • Washout percentage
  • Hormonal workup results

Example Documentation

**Findings**: 3 cm right adrenal nodule, non-contrast HU 8, no hormonal activity. **Impression**: Likely benign, recommend follow-up imaging.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Adrenal mass noted, follow-up needed.
Good Documentation Example
3 cm right adrenal nodule, HU 8, no hormonal activity, likely benign.
Explanation
The good example provides specific imaging and hormonal details necessary for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Adrenal Gland Nodule? Ask your questions below.

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