ICD-10 Coding for Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency(E23.0, E27.40, E27.3)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency
E23-E27Primary Range
Disorders of the pituitary gland and its hypothalamic control
This range includes codes for adrenal insufficiency and related pituitary disorders.
Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of glucocorticoids and synthetic analogues
Relevant for cases where adrenal insufficiency is drug-induced.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| E23.0 | Hypopituitarism | Use when secondary adrenal insufficiency is due to pituitary dysfunction. |
|
| E27.40 | Unspecified adrenocortical insufficiency | Use when the specific cause of adrenal insufficiency is not documented. |
|
| E27.3 | Drug-induced adrenocortical insufficiency | Use when adrenal insufficiency is directly linked to drug 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 secondary adrenal insufficiency
Essential facts and insights about Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for secondary adrenal insufficiency
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Low ACTH and cortisol levels with pituitary disorder
Applicable To
- Secondary adrenal insufficiency due to pituitary disorder
Excludes
- Primary adrenal insufficiency (E27.1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented low ACTH and cortisol levels
- Pituitary MRI findings
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if pituitary cause is not documented
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies the pituitary origin.
E27.40 - Unspecified adrenocortical insufficiency
Use when the specific cause of adrenal insufficiency is not documented.
Applicable To
- Secondary adrenal insufficiency when etiology is unspecified
Excludes
- Primary adrenal insufficiency (E27.1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Low cortisol levels
- Symptoms consistent with adrenal insufficiency
Coding Notes
Query for specific etiology if possible.
E27.3 - Drug-induced adrenocortical insufficiency
Use when adrenal insufficiency is directly linked to drug use.
Applicable To
- Adrenal insufficiency due to glucocorticoid withdrawal
Excludes
- Primary adrenal insufficiency (E27.1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- History of glucocorticoid use
- Low cortisol levels post-steroid withdrawal
Coding Notes
Ensure linkage between drug use and adrenal insufficiency.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Differential 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 Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E23.0.
Impact
Clinical: Misdiagnosis risk, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential reimbursement denial
Mitigation Strategy
Specify etiology, Include lab results
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment may lead to reimbursement issues., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation specifies secondary nature and use E23.0 or E27.3 as appropriate.
Impact
Lack of specific etiology can lead to audit flags.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure detailed documentation of underlying 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 Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Post-pituitary surgery adrenal insufficiency
Specialty: EndocrinologyRequired Elements
- Etiology
- Lab results
- Symptoms
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
Need help with ICD-10 coding for Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency? Ask your questions below.