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

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

Also known as:

Thyroid DisorderThyroid Disease

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Thyroid Dysfunction

E00-E07Primary Range

Disorders of thyroid gland

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

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 the cause of hypothyroidism is not specified after thorough evaluation.
  • Elevated TSH levels
  • Low free T4 levels
E06.3Autoimmune thyroiditisUse when autoimmune markers confirm Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
  • Positive anti-TPO antibodies
  • Thyroid ultrasound findings
E89.0Postprocedural hypothyroidismUse when hypothyroidism is directly linked to a surgical or therapeutic procedure.
  • Documented history of thyroid surgery or radiation

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 thyroid dysfunction

Essential facts and insights about Thyroid Dysfunction

Thyroid dysfunction is coded under ICD-10 range E00-E07, with specific codes like E03.9 for unspecified hypothyroidism.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for thyroid dysfunction

Hypothyroidism, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Use when TSH is elevated and T4 is low, but no specific cause is identified.

Applicable To

  • Unspecified hypothyroidism

Excludes

  • Postprocedural hypothyroidism (E89.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Elevated TSH levels
  • Low free T4 levels

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of under-documentation leading to claim denials.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure to specify if the hypothyroidism is due to a specific cause when possible.

Ancillary Codes

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

Other fatigue

R53.83
Use to document fatigue as a symptom of hypothyroidism.

Abnormal weight gain

R63.5
Use to document weight gain as a symptom of thyroid dysfunction.

Bradycardia

R00.1
Use to document bradycardia as a symptom of hypothyroidism.

Differential Codes

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

Hyperthyroidism, unspecified

E05.90
Differentiate based on TSH and T4 levels; hyperthyroidism typically has low TSH and high T4.

Postprocedural hypothyroidism

E89.0
Differentiate based on history of thyroid surgery or radiation.

Hypothyroidism, unspecified

E03.9
Differentiate based on procedural history.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis representation., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure lab results are included in the patient's record., Verify documentation before coding.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use E89.0 with procedure details.

Impact

Using E03.9 without proper documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough evaluation and documentation of hypothyroidism cause.

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

Documentation Templates for Thyroid Dysfunction

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

Postprocedural Hypothyroidism

Specialty: Endocrinology

Required Elements

  • Chief complaint
  • History of present illness
  • Lab results
  • Procedure history

Example Documentation

Patient presents with fatigue, cold intolerance, and weight gain. TSH 15.2 mIU/L, free T4 0.6 ng/dL. Status post total thyroidectomy for papillary carcinoma. Diagnosis: Postprocedural hypothyroidism (E89.0).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Hypothyroidism after surgery.
Good Documentation Example
Post-thyroidectomy hypothyroidism with TSH 15.2 mIU/L, free T4 0.6 ng/dL. Total thyroidectomy for papillary carcinoma.
Explanation
The good example provides specific lab results and procedural history, supporting the diagnosis.

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

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