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ICD-10 Coding for Thyroid Nodule Unspecified(E04.9, E05.10)

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

Also known as:

Thyroid LesionThyroid Mass

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Thyroid Nodule Unspecified

E04.0-E04.9Primary Range

Nontoxic Goiter

This range covers various types of nontoxic goiters, including unspecified thyroid nodules.

Thyrotoxicosis [Hyperthyroidism]

This range includes conditions where hyperthyroidism is present, which can affect coding of thyroid nodules.

Other Disorders of Thyroid

This range includes unspecified thyroid disorders, used when specific details are lacking.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E04.9Nontoxic goiter, unspecifiedUse when a thyroid nodule is present without hyperthyroidism and specific details are not provided.
  • Normal TSH levels
  • Ultrasound confirmation of nodule
E05.10Thyrotoxicosis with toxic single thyroid nodule without thyrotoxic crisisUse when a toxic thyroid nodule is present with hyperthyroidism.
  • Suppressed TSH levels
  • Elevated T3/T4 levels

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 nodule unspecified

Essential facts and insights about Thyroid Nodule Unspecified

The ICD-10 code for an unspecified thyroid nodule is E04.9, used when the nodule is non-toxic and specific details are not provided.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for thyroid nodule unspecified

Nontoxic goiter, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Normal TSH levels and ultrasound confirmation of nodule

documentation Criteria

  • Lack of specific details on nodule type or presence of hyperthyroidism

Applicable To

  • Nontoxic thyroid nodule

Excludes

  • Toxic goiter (E05.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Normal TSH levels
  • Ultrasound confirmation of nodule

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if hyperthyroidism is present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'nontoxic' and 'unspecified' to avoid misclassification.

Ancillary Codes

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

Disorder of thyroid, unspecified

E07.9
Use when documentation is insufficient to specify the type of thyroid disorder.

Differential Codes

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

Thyrotoxicosis with toxic single thyroid nodule without thyrotoxic crisis

E05.10
Use E05.10 if hyperthyroidism is present with a toxic nodule.

Nontoxic goiter, unspecified

E04.9
Use E04.9 if the nodule is non-toxic and TSH levels are normal.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Thyroid Nodule Unspecified to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E04.9.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include TSH levels in the patient's record., Ensure ultrasound reports are detailed.

Impact

Reimbursement: May result in incorrect DRG assignment and reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use E05.10 if hyperthyroidism is present.

Impact

Incomplete documentation of thyroid function and nodule characteristics.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement standardized documentation templates.

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

Documentation Templates for Thyroid Nodule Unspecified

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

Thyroid Nodule Evaluation

Specialty: Endocrinology

Required Elements

  • Nodule size and location
  • TSH levels
  • Ultrasound findings

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a 2cm nodule in the right thyroid lobe. TSH is 1.5 mIU/L, indicating normal thyroid function.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Thyroid nodule noted.
Good Documentation Example
2cm non-toxic nodule in the right lobe, TSH 1.5 mIU/L.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the nodule and thyroid function.

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