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ICD-10 Coding for Adrenocortical Insufficiency(E27.1, E27.2, E27.3)

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

Also known as:

Addison's DiseaseAdrenal Insufficiency

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Adrenocortical Insufficiency

E27.1-E27.9Primary Range

Disorders of adrenal glands

This range includes primary, secondary, and drug-induced adrenal insufficiency, as well as adrenal crisis.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E27.1Primary adrenocortical insufficiencyUse when primary adrenal insufficiency is confirmed by lab tests and clinical presentation.
  • AM cortisol <3 mcg/dL
  • ACTH >100 pg/mL
  • Positive adrenal autoantibodies
E27.2Addisonian crisisUse during acute adrenal crisis with documented hypotension and electrolyte imbalance.
  • Hypotension unresponsive to fluids
  • Hyponatremia
  • Hypoglycemia
E27.3Drug-induced adrenocortical insufficiencyUse when adrenal insufficiency is secondary to drug use, confirmed by testing.
  • ACTH stimulation test: peak cortisol <18 mcg/dL
  • Documented drug use history

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 Addison's disease

Essential facts and insights about Adrenocortical Insufficiency

The ICD-10 code for Addison's disease, a form of primary adrenocortical insufficiency, is E27.1.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for adrenocortical insufficiency

Primary adrenocortical insufficiency
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of elevated ACTH and low cortisol

Applicable To

  • Addison's disease
  • Autoimmune adrenalitis

Excludes

  • Secondary adrenocortical insufficiency (E27.49)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • AM cortisol <3 mcg/dL
  • ACTH >100 pg/mL
  • Positive adrenal autoantibodies

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as secondary insufficiency
  • Omission of autoantibody status

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies primary vs. secondary insufficiency.

Ancillary Codes

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

Hypokalemia

E87.6
Use when potassium levels are <3.5 mmol/L.

Syncope

R55
Use for presentations with syncope.

Adverse effect of glucocorticoids

T38.0x5A
Use when glucocorticoids are the causative drug.

Differential Codes

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

Other adrenocortical insufficiency

E27.49
Use E27.49 for secondary causes or when ACTH is normal/low.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Adrenocortical Insufficiency to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E27.1.

Impact

Clinical: Mismanagement of patient treatment, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential denial of claims

Mitigation Strategy

Always document specific drugs and duration, Use templates to ensure completeness

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment may affect reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Query provider for specific type: primary, secondary, or drug-induced.

Impact

Incomplete documentation of crisis symptoms can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Use standardized templates to ensure all symptoms are documented.

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 Adrenocortical Insufficiency, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Adrenocortical Insufficiency

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

Adrenal Crisis in Emergency Department

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Vital signs
  • Electrolyte levels
  • Crisis-specific interventions

Example Documentation

HPI: 48F c/o vomiting x3d, weakness. PMH: SLE on prednisone 10mg x6mo. Exam: BP 82/50, HR 120, hyperpigmented buccal mucosa. Labs: Na 125, K 5.8, glucose 55, cortisol 1.8 mcg/dL (AM). Assessment: Addisonian crisis (E27.2) in setting of chronic glucocorticoid use (E27.3). Plan: IV hydrocortisone 100mg, D5NS.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Adrenal insufficiency noted.
Good Documentation Example
Primary adrenocortical insufficiency (Addison’s) due to autoimmune destruction: ACTH 220 pg/mL (ref 10-60), cortisol 2.1 mcg/dL (AM), hyponatremia (128 mmol/L).
Explanation
The good example provides specific lab values and etiology, supporting accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Adrenocortical Insufficiency? Ask your questions below.

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