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ICD-10 Coding for History of Thyroidectomy(Z90.09, Z85.850, E89.0)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for History of Thyroidectomy. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Post-Thyroidectomy StatusThyroid Removal History

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to History of Thyroidectomy

Z85-Z99Primary Range

Persons with potential health hazards related to family and personal history and certain conditions influencing health status

This range includes codes for personal history of diseases and conditions, including history of thyroidectomy.

Postprocedural endocrine and metabolic complications and disorders, not elsewhere classified

This range covers complications that may arise after thyroidectomy, such as hypothyroidism.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
Z90.09Acquired absence of other parts of head and neckUse when documenting the absence of the thyroid gland post-surgery, regardless of the reason for removal.
  • Operative report confirming thyroidectomy
  • Imaging showing absence of thyroid tissue
Z85.850Personal history of malignant neoplasm of thyroidUse for patients with a history of thyroid cancer post-thyroidectomy.
  • Pathology report confirming past malignancy
  • Surgical note indicating cancer-related thyroidectomy
E89.0Postprocedural hypothyroidismUse when hypothyroidism is directly linked to the thyroidectomy procedure.
  • Elevated TSH levels post-surgery
  • Documentation linking hypothyroidism to thyroidectomy

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 history of thyroidectomy

Essential facts and insights about History of Thyroidectomy

The ICD-10 code for history of thyroidectomy is Z90.09, used for acquired absence of the thyroid.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for history of thyroidectomy

Acquired absence of other parts of head and neck
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Absence of thyroid confirmed by imaging or surgical history

Applicable To

  • Absence of thyroid

Excludes

  • Congenital absence of thyroid (E03.1)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Operative report confirming thyroidectomy
  • Imaging showing absence of thyroid tissue

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly used for congenital absence

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies acquired absence due to surgery.

Ancillary Codes

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

Postprocedural hypothyroidism

E89.0
Use when hypothyroidism is a result of thyroidectomy.

Differential Codes

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

Congenital hypothyroidism without goiter

E03.1
E03.1 is used for congenital absence, not acquired.

Personal history of benign neoplasm

Z86.010
Z86.010 is used for benign conditions, not malignant.

Hypothyroidism, unspecified

E03.9
E03.9 is used for primary hypothyroidism not linked to surgery.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting History of Thyroidectomy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z90.09.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate patient history, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Review surgical history, Confirm with pathology reports

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient history records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use Z86.010 for benign conditions such as goiter.

Impact

Using Z85.850 as primary when the visit is for hypothyroidism management.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure the primary code reflects the reason for the encounter.

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 History of Thyroidectomy, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for History of Thyroidectomy

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for History of Thyroidectomy. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Endocrinology Follow-Up Post-Thyroidectomy

Specialty: Endocrinology

Required Elements

  • Patient history of thyroidectomy
  • Reason for surgery
  • Current symptoms and lab results

Example Documentation

Patient is a 55-year-old female, status post total thyroidectomy for papillary carcinoma. Currently on levothyroxine 125 mcg daily. Labs show TSH 1.2 mIU/L.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
History of thyroidectomy.
Good Documentation Example
Total thyroidectomy performed in 2020 for papillary carcinoma. Currently on levothyroxine.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the surgery and current treatment.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for History of Thyroidectomy? Ask your questions below.

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