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ICD-10 Coding for Short Stature(E34.321, R62.52)

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

Also known as:

DwarfismGrowth Retardation

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Short Stature

E34.3xPrimary Range

Short stature due to endocrine disorders

This range covers short stature related to endocrine causes, including genetic and IGF-1 related deficiencies.

Short stature, unspecified

Used when the cause of short stature is not specified or determined.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E34.321Primary IGF-1 deficiencyUse when IGF-1 deficiency is confirmed by lab tests.
  • IGF-1 levels < -2 SD
  • Normal GH stimulation test
R62.52Short stature, unspecifiedUse when the cause of short stature is not determined.
  • No specific endocrine or genetic cause identified

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 short stature

Essential facts and insights about Short Stature

The ICD-10 code for short stature due to endocrine disorders is E34.3x, while R62.52 is used for unspecified short stature.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for short stature

Primary IGF-1 deficiency
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed IGF-1 deficiency with normal GH levels

Applicable To

  • Confirmed IGF-1 deficiency with normal GH levels

Excludes

  • Growth hormone deficiency (E23.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • IGF-1 levels < -2 SD
  • Normal GH stimulation test

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if GH deficiency is present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure IGF-1 deficiency is confirmed by lab results.

Differential Codes

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

Hypopituitarism

E23.0
Use E23.0 if GH deficiency is confirmed.

Short stature due to endocrine disorders

E34.3x
Use E34.3x when an endocrine cause is identified.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Short Stature to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E34.321.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential for claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough evaluation and documentation, Use specific codes when causes are identified

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in clinical data

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure specific endocrine causes are documented and coded with E34.3x.

Impact

Frequent use of R62.52 without documented evaluation

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of evaluations and findings.

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

Documentation Templates for Short Stature

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

Endocrine Evaluation for Short Stature

Specialty: Endocrinology

Required Elements

  • Height and growth velocity
  • Bone age assessment
  • IGF-1 and GH levels
  • Genetic testing results

Example Documentation

Patient presents with height -3.5 SD. Bone age delayed by 3 years. Serum IGF-1: 40 ng/mL. GH stimulation test normal. Genetic testing reveals heterozygous NPR2 variant.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Short stature, endocrine cause suspected.
Good Documentation Example
Height -3.1 SD, bone age delay 2.5 years, IGF-1 38 ng/mL (-3.2 SD). No GH deficiency. Consistent with constitutional short stature (E34.31).
Explanation
The good example provides specific measurements and test results, supporting the diagnosis.

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

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