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ICD-10 Coding for Empty Sella Syndrome(E23.0, E23.6)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Empty Sella Syndrome. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

ESSPrimary Empty SellaSecondary Empty Sellaempty sella turcica

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Empty Sella Syndrome

E23.0-E23.6Primary Range

Disorders of the pituitary gland

Includes codes for hypopituitarism and other pituitary disorders relevant to empty sella syndrome.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E23.0HypopituitarismUse when empty sella syndrome is associated with confirmed hypopituitarism.
  • MRI showing flattened pituitary
  • Lab-confirmed hormone deficiencies (e.g., cortisol, TSH)
E23.6Other disorders of the pituitary glandUse when empty sella is present without hormone deficiency.
  • MRI showing empty sella without hormone deficiencies

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 empty sella syndrome

Essential facts and insights about Empty Sella Syndrome

The ICD-10 codes for empty sella syndrome are E23.0 for cases with hypopituitarism and E23.6 for other pituitary disorders.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for empty sella syndrome

Hypopituitarism
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed hormone deficiencies with imaging evidence

Applicable To

  • Pituitary hormone deficiency

Excludes

  • Postprocedural hypopituitarism (E89.3)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI showing flattened pituitary
  • Lab-confirmed hormone deficiencies (e.g., cortisol, TSH)

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding without hormone deficiency confirmation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation of specific hormone deficiencies.

Ancillary Codes

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

Cerebrospinal fluid leak

G97.1
Use when CSF rhinorrhea is present with ESS.

Differential Codes

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

Other disorders of the pituitary gland

E23.6
Use E23.6 when there is no hormone deficiency.

Hypopituitarism

E23.0
Use E23.0 when hormone deficiencies are confirmed.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Empty Sella Syndrome to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E23.0.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific terms like 'hypopituitarism' with lab results., Ensure imaging findings are detailed.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Verify and document hormone levels before coding.

Impact

Risk of audits due to insufficient documentation of hormone levels.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all hormone levels are documented and linked to diagnosis.

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 Empty Sella Syndrome, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Empty Sella Syndrome

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Empty Sella Syndrome. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Primary Empty Sella Syndrome

Specialty: Endocrinology

Required Elements

  • MRI findings
  • Hormone levels
  • Symptoms

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Empty sella noted. Monitor hormones.
Good Documentation Example
MRI shows empty sella. Cortisol 2.8 μg/dL, TSH 0.12 μIU/mL. Diagnosis: Primary ESS with hypopituitarism.
Explanation
The good example provides specific hormone levels and imaging findings.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Empty Sella Syndrome? Ask your questions below.

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