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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesE27.40

E27.40

Billable

Unspecified adrenocortical insufficiency

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 E27.40 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified adrenocortical insufficiency.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Unspecified adrenocortical insufficiency refers to a condition where the adrenal glands do not produce adequate amounts of steroid hormones, particularly cortisol, which is crucial for various bodily functions including metabolism, immune response, and stress management. This condition can arise from various etiologies, including primary adrenal gland disorders, secondary insufficiency due to pituitary dysfunction, or tertiary insufficiency related to hypothalamic issues. Symptoms may include fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, and electrolyte imbalances. Diagnosis typically involves hormonal assays to measure cortisol levels, ACTH stimulation tests, and imaging studies to assess adrenal gland structure. Treatment often involves hormone replacement therapy, but the specific approach may vary depending on the underlying cause of the insufficiency. Accurate coding is essential for proper management and reimbursement, as it reflects the complexity of the patient's condition and the necessity for ongoing monitoring and treatment.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between primary, secondary, and tertiary adrenal insufficiency.
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of symptoms and laboratory results.
  • Potential overlap with other endocrine disorders, complicating diagnosis.
  • Variability in treatment protocols based on underlying causes.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of hormone levels and clinical symptoms.
  • Failure to specify the underlying cause of adrenocortical insufficiency.
  • Inconsistent coding practices across different healthcare providers.
  • Lack of follow-up documentation to support ongoing treatment.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Endocrinology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed hormonal assay results, patient history, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with fatigue, weight loss, and hypotension; patients with known adrenal disorders requiring monitoring.

Billing Considerations

Endocrinologists must ensure that all relevant lab results and clinical findings are documented to support the diagnosis.

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive patient history, physical examination findings, and lab results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with unexplained fatigue or weight loss; patients with chronic illnesses that may affect adrenal function.

Billing Considerations

Internal medicine practitioners should be aware of the potential for adrenal insufficiency in patients with chronic illnesses.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use E27.40 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, E27
  • 40 should be used when the specific type of adrenocortical insufficiency is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical findings and laboratory results

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use E27.40 When
  • Exclusion criteria include conditions that are clearly defined as primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

84520CPT Code

Cortisol level test

Clinical Scenario

Used to confirm diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the test and the results.

Specialty Considerations

Endocrinologists should ensure that the test is interpreted in the context of clinical findings.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of adrenal insufficiency, improving the ability to capture the nuances of the condition. E27.40 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, but coders are encouraged to seek more specific codes when possible to enhance clarity and accuracy in patient records.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of adrenal insufficiency, improving the ability to capture the nuances of the condition. E27.40 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, but coders are encouraged to seek more specific codes when possible to enhance clarity and accuracy in patient records.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of adrenal insufficiency, improving the ability to capture the nuances of the condition. E27.40 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, but coders are encouraged to seek more specific codes when possible to enhance clarity and accuracy in patient records.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of unspecified adrenocortical insufficiency?

Common symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, dizziness, and electrolyte imbalances. Patients may also experience increased pigmentation of the skin and cravings for salt.

How is unspecified adrenocortical insufficiency diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves measuring serum cortisol levels, conducting an ACTH stimulation test, and possibly imaging studies to assess adrenal gland structure.

What treatments are available for unspecified adrenocortical insufficiency?

Treatment usually involves hormone replacement therapy, specifically glucocorticoids, to manage symptoms and restore normal hormone levels.