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ICD-10 Coding for Cortisol Disorders(E27.1, E27.2, E27.3)

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

Also known as:

Adrenal InsufficiencyAddison's DiseaseCushing's Syndrome

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Cortisol Disorders

E27.0-E27.9Primary Range

Other disorders of adrenal gland

This range includes various adrenal gland disorders, including primary and secondary adrenal insufficiency, Addison's disease, and drug-induced adrenal insufficiency.

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 there is confirmed autoimmune destruction or genetic adrenal defects.
  • AM cortisol <3 μg/dL
  • Elevated ACTH >50 pg/mL
  • Positive 21-hydroxylase antibodies
E27.2Addisonian crisisUse for acute decompensation with hypotension and electrolyte imbalance.
  • Cortisol <10 μg/dL
  • Na+ <130 mEq/L
  • K+ >5.5 mEq/L
E27.3Drug-induced adrenocortical insufficiencyUse when adrenal insufficiency is due to recent glucocorticoid withdrawal or medication use.
  • Recent glucocorticoid withdrawal
  • Cortisol <5 μg/dL
  • ACTH stimulation test Δ <9 μg/dL

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 cortisol deficiency

Essential facts and insights about Cortisol Disorders

The ICD-10 code for primary adrenocortical insufficiency, commonly known as cortisol deficiency, is E27.1.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for cortisol

Primary adrenocortical insufficiency
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed autoimmune destruction or genetic adrenal defects.

Applicable To

  • Addison's disease

Excludes

  • Secondary adrenocortical insufficiency (E27.3)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • AM cortisol <3 μg/dL
  • Elevated ACTH >50 pg/mL
  • Positive 21-hydroxylase antibodies

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of audit if unspecified etiology is documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies primary adrenal insufficiency with supporting lab results.

Ancillary Codes

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

Cortisol lab test

82533
Use for ACTH stimulation testing or AM cortisol levels.

Differential Codes

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

Addisonian crisis

E27.2
Use E27.2 for acute decompensation with hypotension and electrolyte imbalance.

Primary adrenocortical insufficiency

E27.1
Use E27.1 for chronic conditions without acute crisis.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment plans., Regulatory: Increased risk of audits., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document medication history and withdrawal details.

Impact

Reimbursement: Unspecified codes may lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Increased risk of audits and compliance issues., Data Quality: Decreases data accuracy and quality.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes like E27.1 or E27.2 when etiology is known.

Impact

Using unspecified codes increases audit risk.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes with documented etiology.

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 Cortisol Disorders, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Cortisol Disorders

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

Chronic adrenal insufficiency management

Specialty: Endocrinology

Required Elements

  • Symptoms
  • Lab results
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Assessment: Primary adrenal insufficiency (E27.1). AM cortisol: 2.1 μg/dL. Plan: Hydrocortisone 20mg AM/10mg PM.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Adrenal insufficiency noted.
Good Documentation Example
Primary adrenal insufficiency with AM cortisol 2.1 μg/dL. Treatment: Hydrocortisone 20mg AM/10mg PM.
Explanation
The good example provides specific lab results and treatment details.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Cortisol Disorders? Ask your questions below.

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