ICD-10 Coding for Adrenal Nodule(E27.8, D35.0, D35.01, D35.02, C74.9)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Adrenal Nodule. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Adrenal Nodule
Other specified disorders of adrenal gland
Used for non-neoplastic adrenal disorders including hyperplasia.
D35-D35.02Primary Range
Benign neoplasm of adrenal gland
Primary range for benign adrenal nodules, specifying laterality.
Malignant neoplasm of adrenal gland
Used for malignant adrenal tumors, requires biopsy confirmation.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| E27.8 | Other specified disorders of adrenal gland | Use for non-neoplastic adrenal disorders such as hyperplasia. |
|
| D35.0 | Benign neoplasm of adrenal gland, unspecified | Use for benign adrenal tumors when laterality is not specified. |
|
| D35.01 | Benign neoplasm of right adrenal gland | Use for benign tumors of the right adrenal gland. |
|
| D35.02 | Benign neoplasm of left adrenal gland | Use for benign tumors of the left adrenal gland. |
|
| C74.9 | Malignant neoplasm of adrenal gland, unspecified | Use for confirmed malignant adrenal tumors. |
|
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 nodule
Essential facts and insights about Adrenal Nodule
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for adrenal nodule
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of adrenal hyperplasia without neoplasm
Applicable To
- Adrenal hyperplasia
- Adrenocortical hyperplasia
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documentation of adrenal hyperplasia
- Imaging or lab results confirming non-neoplastic disorder
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification of neoplastic conditions
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies non-neoplastic nature.
D35.0 - Benign neoplasm of adrenal gland, unspecified
Use for benign adrenal tumors when laterality is not specified.
Applicable To
- Adrenal adenoma
- Benign adrenal tumor
Excludes
- Malignant neoplasm of adrenal gland (C74.x)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Imaging confirmation of benign characteristics (HU ≤10)
- Stable size over time
Coding Notes
Ensure benign nature is documented with imaging.
D35.01 - Benign neoplasm of right adrenal gland
Use for benign tumors of the right adrenal gland.
Applicable To
- Right adrenal adenoma
Excludes
- Malignant neoplasm of right adrenal gland (C74.01)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Right-sided adrenal mass with benign imaging features
Coding Notes
Document right laterality and benign nature.
D35.02 - Benign neoplasm of left adrenal gland
Use for benign tumors of the left adrenal gland.
Applicable To
- Left adrenal adenoma
Excludes
- Malignant neoplasm of left adrenal gland (C74.02)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Left-sided adrenal mass with benign imaging features
Coding Notes
Document left laterality and benign nature.
C74.9 - Malignant neoplasm of adrenal gland, unspecified
Use for confirmed malignant adrenal tumors.
Applicable To
- Adrenal carcinoma
Excludes
- Benign neoplasm of adrenal gland (D35.0x)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Biopsy-proven malignancy
- Imaging showing local invasion
Coding Notes
Ensure malignancy is confirmed with biopsy.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Multiple endocrine neoplasia [MEN] syndromes
E34.0Essential (primary) hypertension
I10Cushing's syndrome
E24.2Hyperaldosteronism, unspecified
E26.9Personal history of malignant neoplasm of adrenal gland
Z85.03Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Adrenal Nodule to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E27.8.
Impact
Clinical: Inability to accurately assess nodule characteristics., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials due to insufficient documentation.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure radiology reports include HU values, Train staff on documentation requirements
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on neoplasm prevalence.
Mitigation Strategy
Use D35.0x for benign neoplasms with documentation of 'adenoma' or 'benign neoplasm'.
Impact
Reimbursement: Claims may be denied due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Failure to comply with laterality coding requirements., Data Quality: Loss of data specificity for laterality.
Mitigation Strategy
Use D35.01 for right and D35.02 for left adrenal neoplasms.
Impact
Failure to specify laterality can result in audit findings.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all documentation specifies laterality for adrenal neoplasms.
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 Nodule, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Adrenal Nodule
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Adrenal Nodule. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Radiology report for adrenal nodule
Specialty: RadiologyRequired Elements
- Size and location of nodule
- CT attenuation values
- Imaging characteristics
- Recommendations for follow-up
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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