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ICD-10 Coding for Parathyroidectomy(E21.0, E21.1, D35.1, E89.2)

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

Also known as:

Parathyroid gland removalParathyroid surgery

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Parathyroidectomy

E21.0-E21.5Primary Range

Disorders of parathyroid gland

This range includes codes for hyperparathyroidism and related disorders, which are primary indications for parathyroidectomy.

Benign neoplasm of parathyroid gland

Used when a benign tumor is the reason for parathyroidectomy.

Postprocedural hypoparathyroidism

Used for documenting hypoparathyroidism following parathyroidectomy.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E21.0Primary hyperparathyroidismUse when primary hyperparathyroidism is confirmed by lab and imaging findings.
  • Serum calcium >10.5 mg/dL
  • PTH >65 pg/mL
  • Localizing imaging (sestamibi/US)
E21.1Secondary hyperparathyroidismUse when hyperparathyroidism is secondary to another condition like CKD.
  • eGFR <60
  • PTH >300 pg/mL
  • Bone density T-score <-2.5
D35.1Benign neoplasm of parathyroid glandUse when a benign tumor is the reason for surgery.
  • Pathology report confirming benign neoplasm
E89.2Postprocedural hypoparathyroidismUse when hypocalcemia is documented post-parathyroidectomy.
  • Post-op calcium levels below normal range

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 parathyroidectomy

Essential facts and insights about Parathyroidectomy

The ICD-10 code for parathyroidectomy-related conditions includes E21.0 for primary hyperparathyroidism and D35.1 for benign neoplasm.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for parathyroidectomy

Primary hyperparathyroidism
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Elevated calcium and PTH levels with imaging confirmation.

Applicable To

  • Single adenoma with elevated calcium/PTH

Excludes

  • Secondary hyperparathyroidism (E21.1)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Serum calcium >10.5 mg/dL
  • PTH >65 pg/mL
  • Localizing imaging (sestamibi/US)

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if secondary causes are not ruled out.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure lab and imaging findings support the diagnosis.

Differential Codes

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

Secondary hyperparathyroidism

E21.1
Associated with chronic kidney disease and elevated PTH without hypercalcemia.

Primary hyperparathyroidism

E21.0
Characterized by hypercalcemia and elevated PTH.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Parathyroidectomy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E21.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect diagnosis coding., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use detailed templates for operative notes., Ensure all findings and measurements are recorded.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect billing can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on surgical procedures.

Mitigation Strategy

Use 60500 once regardless of the number of glands removed.

Impact

Reimbursement: May result in claim denials if not supported., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding rules., Data Quality: Misleading data on post-surgical complications.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure post-op calcium levels are documented if using E89.2.

Impact

Risk of incorrect procedure code usage leading to audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular training on CPT updates and documentation requirements.

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 Parathyroidectomy, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Parathyroidectomy

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

Focused parathyroidectomy

Specialty: Endocrine Surgery

Required Elements

  • Pre-op diagnosis
  • Procedure details
  • Intraoperative findings
  • IOPTH results
  • Specimen details
  • Post-op diagnosis

Example Documentation

1. Pre-op Diagnosis: Primary hyperparathyroidism (E21.0), elevated calcium (12.1 mg/dL), PTH 148 pg/mL. 2. Procedure: Focused parathyroidectomy via left cervical incision. 3. Findings: 1.5 cm left inferior parathyroid adenoma (320 mg). 4. IOPTH Results: Pre-excision 145 pg/mL → 10-min post-excision 28 pg/mL. 5. Specimen: Sent for frozen section (confirmatory). 6. Post-op Diagnosis: Parathyroid adenoma (D35.1).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Removed abnormal parathyroid. Patient tolerated well.
Good Documentation Example
Focused exploration via left neck incision identified 1.3 cm parathyroid adenoma (370 mg). IOPTH decreased from 210 pg/mL to 25 pg/mL at 10 mins. Specimen sent to pathology (confirmed parathyroid adenoma). No complications.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the procedure, findings, and outcomes, supporting accurate coding and billing.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Parathyroidectomy? Ask your questions below.

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