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ICD-10 Coding for Addison's Disease(E27.1, E27.2)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Addison's Disease. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Primary Adrenal InsufficiencyChronic Adrenocortical Insufficiencyadrenocortical insufficiencyadrenal insufficiency

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Addison's Disease

E27.1-E27.9Primary Range

Other disorders of adrenal gland

This range includes codes for various adrenal gland disorders, with E27.1 specifically for Addison's disease.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E27.1Primary adrenocortical insufficiencyUse when there is confirmed primary adrenal insufficiency with supporting lab results.
  • Morning cortisol <3 mcg/dL
  • ACTH >100 pg/mL
  • Positive 21-hydroxylase antibodies
E27.2Addisonian crisisUse during acute adrenal crisis episodes.
  • SBP <90 mmHg
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Vomiting

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 Addison's disease

Essential facts and insights about Addison's Disease

The ICD-10 code for Addison's disease is E27.1, representing primary adrenocortical insufficiency.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for addison's disease

Primary adrenocortical insufficiency
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed low cortisol and high ACTH levels.

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation must specify 'primary' adrenal insufficiency.

Applicable To

  • Addison's disease

Excludes

  • Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome (A39.1)
  • Tuberculous Addison's disease (A18.7)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Morning cortisol <3 mcg/dL
  • ACTH >100 pg/mL
  • Positive 21-hydroxylase antibodies

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if type of adrenal insufficiency is not specified.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'primary' adrenal insufficiency to avoid unspecified coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Addisonian crisis

E27.2
Use during acute episodes of adrenal crisis.

Differential Codes

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

Addisonian crisis

E27.2
Use E27.2 for acute adrenal crisis episodes, characterized by severe symptoms like hypotension and hypoglycemia.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Addison's Disease to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E27.1.

Impact

Clinical: Misleading clinical data., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on documentation requirements.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use A18.7 for tuberculous adrenalitis and E27.1 for primary insufficiency.

Impact

Failure to sequence E27.2 as primary during crisis.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coders on proper sequencing rules.

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 Addison's Disease, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Addison's Disease

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Addison's Disease. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Chronic management of Addison's disease

Specialty: Endocrinology

Required Elements

  • Morning cortisol levels
  • ACTH levels
  • Symptom documentation

Example Documentation

Patient presents with fatigue and hyperpigmentation. Labs show cortisol 2.1 mcg/dL, ACTH 220 pg/mL.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Adrenal insufficiency, manage with hydrocortisone.
Good Documentation Example
Primary adrenal insufficiency secondary to autoimmune adrenalitis confirmed by lab results.
Explanation
The good example specifies the type and etiology of insufficiency, supported by lab results.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Addison's Disease? Ask your questions below.

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