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ICD-10 Coding for Positive Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies(E06.3, R94.6)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Positive Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

TPO AntibodiesAnti-TPO Antibodies

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Positive Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies

E06.3Primary Range

Autoimmune thyroiditis

This code is used for conditions where positive TPO antibodies indicate autoimmune thyroiditis, such as Hashimoto's disease.

Abnormal thyroid function studies

Used when TPO antibodies are elevated but no specific thyroid condition is diagnosed.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E06.3Autoimmune thyroiditisUse when TPO antibodies are elevated and there is clinical evidence of autoimmune thyroiditis.
  • Elevated TPO antibodies >9 IU/mL
  • Symptoms of hypothyroidism
  • TSH >4.5 μIU/mL
R94.6Abnormal thyroid function studiesUse when TPO antibodies are elevated but no specific thyroid condition is diagnosed.
  • Elevated TPO antibodies without a specific thyroid diagnosis

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 positive thyroid peroxidase antibodies

Essential facts and insights about Positive Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies

The ICD-10 code for autoimmune thyroiditis, indicated by positive TPO antibodies, is E06.3. Use R94.6 if no specific diagnosis is made.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for disease positive thyroid peroxidase antibodies

Autoimmune thyroiditis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of elevated TPO antibodies and hypothyroid symptoms

coding Criteria

  • Do not code E06.3 with E03.1

Applicable To

  • Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Excludes

  • E03.1 (Other hypothyroidism)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Elevated TPO antibodies >9 IU/mL
  • Symptoms of hypothyroidism
  • TSH >4.5 μIU/mL

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding both E06.3 and E03.1 together.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation links TPO antibody levels to clinical symptoms of thyroiditis.

Ancillary Codes

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

Abnormal thyroid function studies

R94.6
Use when TPO antibodies are elevated but no specific thyroid condition is diagnosed.

Differential Codes

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

Hypothyroidism, unspecified

E03.9
Use E03.9 only if hypothyroidism is present without autoimmune evidence.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Positive Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E06.3.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or incomplete diagnosis., Regulatory: Fails to meet documentation standards., Financial: Can result in claim denials or audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include quantitative values and reference ranges., Link lab findings to clinical symptoms.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Violates ICD-10 Excludes1 note., Data Quality: Leads to inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use E06.3 alone as it includes hypothyroidism in autoimmune cases.

Impact

Failure to document quantitative TPO levels can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all lab results include quantitative values and reference ranges.

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 Positive Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Positive Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Positive Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Patient with elevated TPO antibodies and hypothyroid symptoms

Specialty: Endocrinology

Required Elements

  • Symptoms of hypothyroidism
  • TPO antibody levels with reference range
  • TSH and Free T4 levels
  • Assay method

Example Documentation

Patient presents with fatigue and weight gain. TPO Ab 320 IU/mL (ref: <9 IU/mL), TSH 6.2 μIU/mL, Free T4 0.8 ng/dL. Diagnosis: Autoimmune thyroiditis (E06.3).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
High thyroid antibodies, start Synthroid.
Good Documentation Example
TPO Ab 520 IU/mL (Quest Diagnostics, ref <35 IU/mL) with TSH 18 μIU/mL confirms autoimmune hypothyroidism (E06.3). Levothyroxine 88 mcg initiated.
Explanation
The good example includes specific lab values, reference ranges, and links the findings to a diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Positive Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies? Ask your questions below.

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