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ICD-10 Coding for Postoperative Hypothyroidism(E89.0)

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

Also known as:

Post-surgical HypothyroidismRadiation-induced Hypothyroidism

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Postoperative Hypothyroidism

E89-E89.9Primary Range

Postprocedural endocrine and metabolic disorders

This range includes disorders caused by medical procedures, including hypothyroidism following surgery or radiation.

Other hypothyroidism

This range includes hypothyroidism not directly linked to procedures, useful for differential diagnosis.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for postoperative hypothyroidism

Essential facts and insights about Postoperative Hypothyroidism

The ICD-10 code for postoperative hypothyroidism is E89.0, used when hypothyroidism is directly linked to a surgical or radiation procedure.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for postoperative hypothyroidism

Postprocedural hypothyroidism
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Hypothyroidism symptoms appear within 6 months post-procedure.

documentation Criteria

  • Procedure date and type documented in medical records.

Applicable To

  • Hypothyroidism due to thyroid surgery
  • Hypothyroidism due to radiation therapy

Excludes

  • Congenital hypothyroidism (E03.1)
  • Hypothyroidism due to medication (E03.2)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Elevated TSH >10 μIU/mL within 6 months post-procedure
  • Low FT4 levels
  • Documented procedure causing hypothyroidism

Code-Specific Risks

  • Failure to document the procedure causing hypothyroidism
  • Using this code without lab confirmation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation explicitly links hypothyroidism to the procedure.

Ancillary Codes

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

Acquired absence of thyroid gland

Z90.81
Use to document history of thyroidectomy.

Differential Codes

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

Unspecified hypothyroidism

E03.9
Use E03.9 if no procedural link is documented.

Autoimmune thyroiditis

E06.3
Use E06.3 if hypothyroidism is due to autoimmune causes, not procedures.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Postoperative Hypothyroidism to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E89.0.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the procedure date and type., Ensure lab results are included in the record.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation links hypothyroidism to the procedure and use E89.0.

Impact

Auditors may deny claims if the procedure is not linked to hypothyroidism.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation explicitly links the condition to the procedure.

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 Postoperative Hypothyroidism, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Postoperative Hypothyroidism

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

Post-thyroidectomy follow-up

Specialty: Endocrinology

Required Elements

  • Procedure date and type
  • TSH and FT4 levels
  • Symptoms onset post-procedure

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has hypothyroidism.
Good Documentation Example
Patient developed hypothyroidism (TSH 12.8 μIU/mL) 8 weeks post-total thyroidectomy.
Explanation
The good example specifies the procedure and timing, linking the condition to the surgery.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Postoperative Hypothyroidism? Ask your questions below.

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