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

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

Also known as:

Thyroid DiseaseThyroid Dysfunction

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Thyroid Disorder

E00-E07Primary Range

Disorders of thyroid gland

This range includes all disorders related to thyroid function, including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroiditis.

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 hypothyroidism is diagnosed but the specific cause is not documented.
  • TSH >5.0 μIU/mL
  • FT4 <0.9 ng/dL
E89.0Postprocedural hypothyroidismUse when hypothyroidism is a direct result of a surgical procedure on the thyroid.
  • History of thyroid surgery
  • Elevated TSH post-surgery
E06.3Autoimmune thyroiditisUse when autoimmune thyroiditis is confirmed by lab tests.
  • Positive TPO antibodies
  • Elevated TSH

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 unspecified hypothyroidism

Essential facts and insights about Thyroid Disorder

The ICD-10 code for unspecified hypothyroidism is E03.9, used when the specific cause is not documented.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for thyroid disorder

Hypothyroidism, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • TSH levels above normal range with low FT4

Applicable To

  • Unspecified hypothyroidism

Excludes

  • Postprocedural hypothyroidism (E89.0)
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis (E06.3)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • TSH >5.0 μIU/mL
  • FT4 <0.9 ng/dL

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of undercoding if specific cause is known but not documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies if the hypothyroidism is postprocedural to avoid using E03.9 incorrectly.

Differential Codes

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

Postprocedural hypothyroidism

E89.0
Use E89.0 if hypothyroidism occurs after a surgical procedure on the thyroid.

Hypothyroidism, unspecified

E03.9
Use E03.9 if no surgical history is documented.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: Leads to non-specific treatment plans., Regulatory: Potential for audit issues., Financial: May result in claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify the type of thyroid disorder.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Use E89.0 for hypothyroidism following thyroid surgery.

Impact

Risk of using unspecified codes without proper documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of thyroid disorder type.

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

Documentation Templates for Thyroid Disorder

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

Hypothyroidism Management

Specialty: Endocrinology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Lab results
  • Assessment
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Assessment: Primary hypothyroidism (E03.9) with TSH 8.2 μIU/mL. Plan: Start levothyroxine 25mcg daily.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has thyroid issues.
Good Documentation Example
Patient diagnosed with primary hypothyroidism, TSH 8.2 μIU/mL.
Explanation
The good example specifies the type of thyroid disorder and includes lab results.

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

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