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ICD-10 Coding for High Thyroid Stimulating Hormone(E03.9, E06.3, E89.0)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for High Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Elevated TSHSubclinical Hypothyroidism

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to High Thyroid Stimulating Hormone

E03Primary Range

Other hypothyroidism

This range includes codes for various types of hypothyroidism, including unspecified and autoimmune causes.

Thyroiditis

This range includes codes for thyroiditis, including autoimmune thyroiditis, which is a common cause of elevated TSH.

Postprocedural endocrine and metabolic disorders

This range includes codes for post-ablative hypothyroidism, which can result in elevated TSH levels.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E03.9Hypothyroidism, unspecifiedUse when TSH is elevated but no specific cause is documented.
  • TSH >4.5 µIU/mL on 2+ tests
  • Normal free T4 levels
  • Absence of specific etiology
E06.3Autoimmune thyroiditisUse when autoimmune thyroiditis is confirmed by lab tests and clinical findings.
  • Positive TPO antibodies
  • Lymphocytic infiltration on biopsy
E89.0Postprocedural hypothyroidismUse when hypothyroidism follows surgical or ablative treatment.
  • History of thyroidectomy or RAI
  • Elevated TSH post-procedure

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 high TSH

Essential facts and insights about High Thyroid Stimulating Hormone

The ICD-10 code for high TSH is E03.9 for unspecified hypothyroidism. Use E06.3 for autoimmune causes and E89.0 for post-surgical causes.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for high thyroid stimulating hormone

Hypothyroidism, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • TSH >4.5 µIU/mL with normal free T4

documentation Criteria

  • Absence of specific etiology in documentation

Applicable To

  • Subclinical hypothyroidism
  • Acquired hypothyroidism

Excludes

  • Congenital hypothyroidism (E03.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • TSH >4.5 µIU/mL on 2+ tests
  • Normal free T4 levels
  • Absence of specific etiology

Code-Specific Risks

  • May lead to undercoding if specific etiology is known but not documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies hypothyroidism and not just 'high TSH'.

Ancillary Codes

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

Abnormal thyroid function studies

R94.6
Use when TSH is abnormal but hypothyroidism is not confirmed.

Differential Codes

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

Autoimmune thyroiditis

E06.3
Use when TPO antibodies are positive and there is evidence of autoimmune thyroiditis.

Hypothyroidism, unspecified

E03.9
Use E03.9 when no specific cause is identified.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting High Thyroid Stimulating Hormone to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E03.9.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis of hypothyroidism type., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denial or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure TPO antibody tests are ordered and results documented., Educate providers on importance of complete documentation.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Use E89.0 with Z90.1 to specify post-surgical cause.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential for claim denial due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Violates coding rules requiring provider confirmation., Data Quality: Leads to incomplete clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Query provider for confirmation of hypothyroidism.

Impact

Frequent use of E03.9 without documented etiology.

Mitigation Strategy

Encourage detailed documentation of hypothyroidism causes.

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 High Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for High Thyroid Stimulating Hormone

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for High Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Subclinical Hypothyroidism

Specialty: Endocrinology

Required Elements

  • TSH and free T4 levels
  • Symptoms or lack thereof
  • Exclusion of other causes

Example Documentation

Patient presents with TSH 6.8 µIU/mL, free T4 1.1 ng/dL, asymptomatic. No recent iodine exposure.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
TSH elevated.
Good Documentation Example
TSH 6.8 µIU/mL, free T4 1.1 ng/dL, asymptomatic, no iodine exposure.
Explanation
Good example provides specific lab values and excludes other causes.

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