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ICD-10 Coding for Adrenal Cortical Adenoma(D35.01, D35.02)

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

Also known as:

Adrenal AdenomaBenign Adrenal Tumor

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Adrenal Cortical Adenoma

D35.0-D35.02Primary Range

Benign neoplasm of adrenal gland

This range includes codes for benign adrenal tumors, specifically adenomas, which are non-cancerous growths in the adrenal cortex.

Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of adrenal gland

Used when the behavior of the adrenal mass cannot be definitively classified as benign or malignant.

Malignant neoplasm of adrenal cortex

Used for confirmed malignant tumors of the adrenal cortex, not applicable to benign adenomas.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
D35.01Benign neoplasm of right adrenal glandUse when a benign adenoma is confirmed in the right adrenal gland.
  • Histological confirmation of benign adenoma
  • Tumor size <5 cm and weight <50g
  • Non-contrast CT attenuation ≤10 HU
D35.02Benign neoplasm of left adrenal glandUse when a benign adenoma is confirmed in the left adrenal gland.
  • Histological confirmation of benign adenoma
  • Tumor size <5 cm and weight <50g
  • Non-contrast CT attenuation ≤10 HU

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 adrenal cortical adenoma

Essential facts and insights about Adrenal Cortical Adenoma

The ICD-10 code for adrenal cortical adenoma is D35.01 for the right adrenal gland and D35.02 for the left adrenal gland.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for adrenal cortical adenoma

Benign neoplasm of right adrenal gland
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Histological confirmation of benign adenoma

coding Criteria

  • Use D35.01 for right adrenal gland adenomas

documentation Criteria

  • Include tumor size and weight in documentation

Applicable To

  • Benign adrenal cortical adenoma of the right adrenal gland

Excludes

  • Malignant neoplasm of adrenal cortex (C74.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Histological confirmation of benign adenoma
  • Tumor size <5 cm and weight <50g
  • Non-contrast CT attenuation ≤10 HU

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as malignant if documentation is unclear

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'benign' and includes size and weight.

Ancillary Codes

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

Cushing's syndrome

E24.0
Use if the adenoma is functional and causing hormonal excess.

Differential Codes

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

Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of adrenal gland

D44.10
Use when the pathology report is inconclusive regarding benign or malignant status.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Adrenal Cortical Adenoma to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code D35.01.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of imaging and pathology findings., Use specific terminology like 'benign adenoma' with size and weight.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to inappropriate DRG assignment., Compliance: Misclassification can result in compliance issues., Data Quality: Affects the accuracy of clinical data and outcomes.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify histological confirmation and ensure documentation specifies 'benign'.

Impact

Risk of coding benign adenomas as malignant due to unclear documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure clear documentation of benign status with supporting pathology and imaging.

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 Adrenal Cortical Adenoma, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Adrenal Cortical Adenoma

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

Endocrinology Progress Note

Specialty: Endocrinology

Required Elements

  • Assessment of adrenal mass
  • Imaging findings
  • Hormonal status
  • Pathology results

Example Documentation

Assessment: Right adrenal cortical adenoma (D35.01) - Size: 2.5 cm (CT: 9 HU) - Hormonal status: Non-functional (AM cortisol: 12 mcg/dL; aldosterone: 8 ng/dL) - Pathology: Weiss score 0, no mitotic activity. Plan: Annual surveillance CT.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Adrenal nodule found on CT.
Good Documentation Example
3.5 cm left adrenal adenoma (CT: 6 HU), asymptomatic, no hormonal excess. Biopsy: Weiss score 1.
Explanation
The good example provides specific size, imaging, and pathology details, confirming benign status.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Adrenal Cortical Adenoma? Ask your questions below.

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