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ICD-10 Coding for Left Adrenal Nodule(D35.02, C74.0)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Left Adrenal Nodule. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Left Adrenal MassAdrenal AdenomaAdrenal Cortical Neoplasm

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left Adrenal Nodule

D35-D36Primary Range

Benign neoplasms

Includes benign neoplasms of the adrenal gland, specifically D35.02 for the left adrenal gland.

Malignant neoplasms of endocrine glands

Includes malignant neoplasms of the adrenal cortex, specifically C74.0 for the left adrenal gland.

Other disorders of adrenal gland

Includes functional disorders of the adrenal gland, such as hyperplasia or hyperfunction.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
D35.02Benign neoplasm of left adrenal glandUse when a benign nodule is confirmed in the left adrenal gland.
  • Biopsy-confirmed benign histology
  • CT attenuation <10 HU
C74.0Malignant neoplasm of cortex of adrenal glandUse when malignancy is confirmed in the left adrenal gland.
  • Biopsy showing malignancy
  • CT showing necrosis or invasion

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 left adrenal nodule

Essential facts and insights about Left Adrenal Nodule

The ICD-10 code for a benign left adrenal nodule is D35.02. For malignant nodules, use C74.0.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for left adrenal nodule

Benign neoplasm of left adrenal gland
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Biopsy confirms benign nature

documentation Criteria

  • CT shows attenuation <10 HU

Applicable To

  • Benign adrenal adenoma
  • Non-functioning adrenal nodule

Excludes

  • Malignant neoplasm of adrenal gland (C74.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Biopsy-confirmed benign histology
  • CT attenuation <10 HU

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if malignancy is not ruled out
  • Incorrect laterality documentation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is documented as 'left' to use D35.02.

Ancillary Codes

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

Other specified disorders of adrenal gland

E27.8
Use for hormonally active nodules without confirmed neoplasia.

Follow-up examination after treatment for conditions other than malignant neoplasms

Z09
Use for follow-up after adrenal mass excision.

Differential Codes

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

Malignant neoplasm of cortex of adrenal gland

C74.0
Use C74.0 if malignancy is confirmed by biopsy.

Benign neoplasm of left adrenal gland

D35.02
Use D35.02 if benign nature is confirmed by biopsy.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Adrenal Nodule to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code D35.02.

Impact

Clinical: May affect treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates that prompt for laterality.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 specificity requirements., Data Quality: Inaccurate data for clinical and research purposes.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document 'left' for left adrenal nodules.

Impact

Failure to document laterality can lead to audit flags.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory fields in EHR for laterality.

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 Left Adrenal Nodule, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Left Adrenal Nodule

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Left Adrenal Nodule. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Adrenal Nodule Evaluation

Specialty: Endocrinology

Required Elements

  • Nodule size and location
  • Imaging characteristics
  • Biopsy results
  • Hormonal activity

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a 1.8 cm left adrenal nodule. CT shows attenuation of 8 HU. Biopsy confirms benign adenoma.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Adrenal nodule noted.
Good Documentation Example
1.8 cm left adrenal nodule with benign features on CT.
Explanation
The good example specifies size, laterality, and imaging findings.

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