ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
DiagnosesAdrenocortical Insufficiency

Adrenocortical Insufficiency

ICD-10 Coding for Adrenocortical Insufficiency(E27.1, E27.2, E27.3)

PRIMARY SPECIALTYEmergency Medicine
COMPLEXITYHigh
LAST UPDATED09/15/2025
Sam Tuffun, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist | Medical Coding & Billing Contributor

Diagnosis Overview

What is Adrenocortical Insufficiency?
Essential facts and insights about Adrenocortical Insufficiency

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, weight loss, hypotension, and hyperpigmentation of the skin.
  • Laboratory findings may show low serum cortisol levels, elevated ACTH levels, and electrolyte imbalances such as hyponatremia and hyperkalemia.
  • Physical examination may reveal signs of adrenal crisis, including confusion, severe dehydration, and shock.
  • Imaging studies like CT or MRI may be used to identify adrenal gland abnormalities, such as tumors or adrenal hemorrhage.
  • Severity criteria may include the presence of acute adrenal crisis, which requires immediate medical intervention.

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Document the patient's clinical presentation, including specific symptoms and duration.
  • Use precise terminology such as 'primary adrenal insufficiency' or 'secondary adrenal insufficiency' as applicable.
  • Examples include: 'Patient presents with fatigue and weight loss, with lab results indicating low cortisol levels.'
  • Document medical necessity for testing and treatment, including rationale for steroid replacement therapy.
  • Quality measures may include tracking the frequency of adrenal crisis episodes and patient follow-up.

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • Use E27.1 for primary adrenal insufficiency, E27.2 for secondary adrenal insufficiency, and E27.3 for other specified adrenal insufficiencies.
  • Do not use these codes for conditions like adrenal tumors or Cushing's syndrome, as they represent different pathophysiologies.
  • E27.0 (Adrenal crisis) may be confused with E27.1; ensure correct clinical context is documented.
  • Common errors include misclassifying the type of adrenal insufficiency; verify lab results and clinical presentation.
  • In complex cases, consider additional codes for coexisting conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Excludes conditions such as Cushing's syndrome (E24) and adrenal tumors (C74).
  • Alternative codes for excluded conditions include E24.9 for unspecified Cushing's syndrome.
  • Conditions are excluded due to differing pathophysiology and treatment protocols.
  • Common mistakes include misdiagnosing adrenal insufficiency when symptoms are due to other endocrine disorders.
  • Related but distinct conditions include hyperaldosteronism and pheochromocytoma.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
E27.1
Primary adrenal insufficiency
E27.2
Secondary adrenal insufficiency
E27.3
Other specified adrenal insufficiency
Ancillary Codes
E87.6
R55
T38.0x5A
Differential Codes
E27.49
E27.49
for secondary causes or when ACTH is normal/low.

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Emergency Medicine

Specialty Applications

  • Applies to patients with autoimmune diseases, infections, or genetic conditions affecting adrenal function.
  • Patient populations include adults and children with risk factors such as chronic illness or prior adrenal surgery.
  • Clinical settings include emergency departments for acute adrenal crisis and outpatient clinics for management.
  • Specialty-specific applications may involve endocrinology for long-term management and emergency medicine for acute care.
  • Treatment contexts include steroid replacement therapy and management of adrenal crisis.

Coding Complexity

High Complexity

This diagnosis requires careful attention to:

  • Comprehensive clinical documentation
  • Accurate code selection based on clinical criteria
  • Proper exclusion considerations
  • Specialty-specific coding guidelines

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Template 1

Template: 'Patient diagnosed with adrenocortical insufficiency based on clinical findings of fatigue and hypotension.'

Template 2

Template: 'Clinical presentation consistent with adrenal insufficiency including weight loss and hyperpigmentation.'

Template 3

Template: 'Diagnostic criteria for adrenal insufficiency met as evidenced by low cortisol levels and elevated ACTH.'

Template 4

Template: 'Treatment plan initiated for adrenal insufficiency with hydrocortisone replacement therapy.'

Template 5

Template: 'Follow-up care for adrenal insufficiency including monitoring of cortisol levels and patient education.'

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

  • Ensure proper documentation for billing
  • Verify code specificity requirements
  • Check for any additional codes needed
  • Review payer-specific guidelines

Common Issues

  • Insufficient clinical documentation
  • Incorrect code selection
  • Missing supporting diagnoses
  • Timing and frequency documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

What documentation is required for this diagnosis?

Detailed documentation of symptoms, lab results, and treatment plans is essential.

How does this differ from similar diagnoses?

Primary adrenal insufficiency is due to adrenal gland failure, while secondary is due to pituitary dysfunction.

What are common billing considerations?

Ensure medical necessity is documented to support claims for testing and treatment.

What procedures are typically associated?

CPT codes for adrenal function tests and imaging studies may be relevant.

Are there any quality reporting implications?

Monitor and report on the frequency of adrenal crises and patient outcomes.