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ICD-10 Coding for Heterogeneous Thyroid(E06.3, E04.2)

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

Also known as:

Thyroid HeterogeneityHeterogeneous Thyroid Echotexture

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Heterogeneous Thyroid

E00-E07Primary Range

Disorders of thyroid gland

This range includes all thyroid disorders, including those associated with heterogeneous thyroid findings.

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 ultrasound shows heterogeneous echogenicity and lab tests confirm autoimmune thyroiditis.
  • Heterogeneous echogenicity on ultrasound
  • Elevated TPO antibodies
  • TSH >4.5 mIU/L or <0.4 mIU/L
E04.2Nontoxic multinodular goiterUse when ultrasound shows multiple nodules without evidence of autoimmunity.
  • Multiple thyroid nodules ≥1 cm
  • Normal TSH levels
  • No autoantibodies present

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 heterogeneous thyroid

Essential facts and insights about Heterogeneous Thyroid

Heterogeneous thyroid is often linked to autoimmune thyroiditis, coded as E06.3.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for heterogeneous thyroid

Autoimmune thyroiditis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of elevated TPO antibodies and ultrasound findings.

Applicable To

  • Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Heterogeneous echogenicity on ultrasound
  • Elevated TPO antibodies
  • TSH >4.5 mIU/L or <0.4 mIU/L

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if TPO antibodies are not elevated.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation supports autoimmune etiology with lab and imaging findings.

Ancillary Codes

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

Abnormal thyroid function studies

R94.6
Use to report abnormal lab findings that support the primary diagnosis.

Differential Codes

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

Thyrotoxicosis, unspecified

E05.90
Use when there is evidence of hyperthyroidism without specific etiology.

Malignant neoplasm of thyroid

C73
Use when there are suspicious features like microcalcifications or irregular margins.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Heterogeneous Thyroid 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 inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include lab results in the patient's record., Use templates to ensure completeness.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data representation in patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use E06.3 (Autoimmune thyroiditis) when antibodies are positive.

Impact

Risk of incorrect code selection due to lack of specific documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement regular training on documentation and coding guidelines.

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 Heterogeneous Thyroid, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Heterogeneous Thyroid

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

Chronic autoimmune thyroiditis

Specialty: Endocrinology

Required Elements

  • Patient symptoms
  • Ultrasound findings
  • Lab results (TPO antibodies, TSH)

Example Documentation

52F with fatigue, weight gain. TSH 8.2 mIU/L, Free T4 0.6 ng/dL. US: diffusely heterogeneous gland with hypervascularity. TPO Ab 425 IU/mL. Diagnosis: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis with hypothyroidism.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Thyroid looks abnormal on ultrasound.
Good Documentation Example
Ultrasound demonstrates heterogeneous parenchyma with micronodular hypoechoic regions consistent with chronic autoimmune thyroiditis. TPO antibodies elevated at 350 IU/mL.
Explanation
The good example provides specific ultrasound findings and lab results, supporting the diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Heterogeneous Thyroid? Ask your questions below.

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