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ICD-10 Coding for Total Thyroidectomy(E05.10, C73)

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

Also known as:

Complete Thyroid RemovalThyroid Gland Removal

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Total Thyroidectomy

E00-E07Primary Range

Disorders of thyroid gland

This range includes codes for thyroid disorders, which are relevant for conditions leading to thyroidectomy.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E05.10Thyrotoxicosis with toxic single thyroid noduleUse when a toxic single thyroid nodule is documented with hyperthyroidism.
  • Documentation of 'toxic' and 'nodule' in hyperthyroidism cases
  • TSH <0.01 mIU/L, free T4 >1.8 ng/dL
C73Malignant neoplasm of thyroid glandUse when thyroid cancer is confirmed by biopsy.
  • Biopsy results confirming thyroid malignancy

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 total thyroidectomy

Essential facts and insights about Total Thyroidectomy

The ICD-10 code for total thyroidectomy conditions includes E05.10 for toxic nodule and C73 for thyroid cancer.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for total thyroidectomy

Thyrotoxicosis with toxic single thyroid nodule
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of hyperthyroidism with a toxic nodule

Applicable To

  • Toxic single thyroid nodule with hyperthyroidism

Excludes

  • E04.1 - Nontoxic single thyroid nodule

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documentation of 'toxic' and 'nodule' in hyperthyroidism cases
  • TSH <0.01 mIU/L, free T4 >1.8 ng/dL

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as nontoxic nodule

Coding Notes

  • Ensure 'toxic' is documented to differentiate from E04.1.

Differential Codes

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

Nontoxic single thyroid nodule

E04.1
Use when nodule is documented as nontoxic without hyperthyroidism.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Total Thyroidectomy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E05.10.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to incorrect treatment records., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific terminology in documentation, Educate staff on documentation standards

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect billing can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Violates coding guidelines., Data Quality: Leads to inaccurate procedure reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Use 60252 for total thyroidectomy with limited neck dissection; do not report 38724 separately.

Impact

Incorrect use of thyroidectomy codes can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular training on coding updates and documentation standards.

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

Documentation Templates for Total Thyroidectomy

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

Total Thyroidectomy for Malignancy

Specialty: Endocrine Surgery

Required Elements

  • Incision type and location
  • Structures identified and preserved
  • Specimen details
  • Lymph node dissection

Example Documentation

Midline cervical incision. Thyroid lobes mobilized. 4 cm solid mass in right lobe with extrathyroidal extension. Central compartment lymph nodes dissected. Recurrent laryngeal nerves intact. Parathyroids preserved. Final specimen: thyroid + 3 lymph nodes.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Thyroid removed.
Good Documentation Example
Total thyroidectomy via cervical approach. Both recurrent laryngeal nerves visualized and preserved. Four parathyroid glands identified and left in situ. Specimen includes right/left lobes and isthmus.
Explanation
The good example provides detailed surgical steps and preserved structures, supporting accurate coding.

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

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