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ICD-10 Coding for Hypothyroidism Due to Acquired Thyroid Atrophy(E03.4)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Hypothyroidism Due to Acquired Thyroid Atrophy. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Acquired Thyroid AtrophyThyroid Atrophy Hypothyroidism

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Hypothyroidism Due to Acquired Thyroid Atrophy

E00-E07Primary Range

Disorders of thyroid gland

This range includes all disorders related to thyroid function, including hypothyroidism due to acquired atrophy.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for acquired thyroid atrophy

Essential facts and insights about Hypothyroidism Due to Acquired Thyroid Atrophy

The ICD-10 code for acquired thyroid atrophy is E03.4, used when ultrasound confirms atrophy without autoimmune markers.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for hypothyroidism due to acquired atrophy of thyroid

Atrophy of thyroid (acquired)
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Ultrasound confirms thyroid atrophy with volume <4.5 mL

coding Criteria

  • No history of thyroid surgery or radiation

documentation Criteria

  • Negative TPO/Tg antibodies

Applicable To

  • Acquired thyroid atrophy

Excludes

  • Congenital hypothyroidism (E03.1)
  • Postprocedural hypothyroidism (E89.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Ultrasound showing thyroid volume <4.5 mL
  • TSH >10 mIU/L
  • Free T4 <0.8 ng/dL
  • Negative TPO/Tg antibodies

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with autoimmune thyroiditis if antibodies are present
  • Misclassification if thyroid surgery history is not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes thyroid volume and antibody status.

Ancillary Codes

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

Abnormal thyroid function tests

R94.6
Use when documenting abnormal TSH and T4 levels.

Long-term (current) use of other medications

Z79.899
Use to document long-term levothyroxine use.

Differential Codes

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

Autoimmune thyroiditis

E06.3
Use E06.3 if positive TPO/Tg antibodies are present.

Postprocedural hypothyroidism

E89.0
Use E89.0 if hypothyroidism follows thyroid surgery or radiation.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hypothyroidism Due to Acquired Thyroid Atrophy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E03.4.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Fails to meet documentation standards., Financial: Could result in denied claims or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include thyroid volume in cm³, Ensure ultrasound reports are detailed

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: May result in non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Affects accuracy of patient records and data analytics.

Mitigation Strategy

Replace E03.9 with E03.4 when ultrasound confirms volume <4.5 mL.

Impact

Using E03.9 instead of E03.4 when atrophy is documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coders on the importance of specificity and provide regular training.

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 Hypothyroidism Due to Acquired Thyroid Atrophy, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Hypothyroidism Due to Acquired Thyroid Atrophy

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

Endocrinology Progress Note

Specialty: Endocrinology

Required Elements

  • Thyroid status
  • Ultrasound findings
  • Lab results
  • Assessment

Example Documentation

THYROID STATUS: Non-palpable thyroid, ultrasound shows 2.3 mL volume, TSH 48 mIU/L, free T4 0.5 ng/dL. Assessment: Acquired thyroid atrophy (E03.4).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Hypothyroidism due to thyroid issues
Good Documentation Example
Hypothyroidism secondary to acquired thyroid atrophy confirmed by ultrasound (2.3 mL volume), TSH 48 mIU/L, free T4 0.5 ng/dL. No thyroid antibodies detected.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the ultrasound findings and lab results, confirming the diagnosis.

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