ICD-10 Coding for Adrenal Insufficiency(E27.1, E27.2, E27.3)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Adrenal Insufficiency. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Adrenal Insufficiency
E27.1-E27.49Primary Range
Disorders of adrenal glands
This range includes primary, secondary, and drug-induced adrenal insufficiency as well as adrenal crisis.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| E27.1 | Primary adrenocortical insufficiency | Use when primary adrenal insufficiency is confirmed by elevated ACTH and low cortisol levels. |
|
| E27.2 | Addisonian crisis | Use during acute crisis episodes requiring immediate intervention. |
|
| E27.3 | Drug-induced adrenocortical insufficiency | Use when insufficiency is directly linked to medication use. |
|
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 insufficiency
Essential facts and insights about Adrenal Insufficiency
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for adrenal insufficiency
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Confirmed by ACTH stimulation test
Applicable To
- Addison's disease
- Autoimmune adrenalitis
Excludes
- Secondary adrenocortical insufficiency (E27.3)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- ACTH >100 pg/mL
- Morning cortisol <3 μg/dL
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if etiology is not confirmed
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies 'primary' to avoid unspecified coding.
E27.2 - Addisonian crisis
Use during acute crisis episodes requiring immediate intervention.
Applicable To
- Acute adrenal crisis
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Hypotension unresponsive to fluids
- Hyponatremia <130 mEq/L
Coding Notes
Document all crisis symptoms for accurate coding.
E27.3 - Drug-induced adrenocortical insufficiency
Use when insufficiency is directly linked to medication use.
Applicable To
- Adrenal suppression due to medication
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Link to specific drug use
- Cessation of drug leading to symptoms
Coding Notes
Document drug name and duration of use.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Adrenal Insufficiency to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E27.1.
Impact
Clinical: Inadequate crisis management, Regulatory: Potential audit failure, Financial: Reduced reimbursement
Mitigation Strategy
Use crisis checklist, Regular documentation audits
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to denied claims, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation
Mitigation Strategy
Document specific drug causing insufficiency.
Impact
Increased scrutiny on E27.40 usage
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation specifies type of insufficiency
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 Insufficiency, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Adrenal Insufficiency
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Adrenal Insufficiency. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Chronic adrenal insufficiency management
Specialty: EndocrinologyRequired Elements
- History of present illness
- Lab results
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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