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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesE27.49

E27.49

Billable

Other adrenocortical insufficiency

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

Code Description

ICD-10 E27.49 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other adrenocortical insufficiency.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Other adrenocortical insufficiency refers to a condition characterized by inadequate production of adrenal hormones, particularly cortisol, due to dysfunction of the adrenal glands. This insufficiency can arise from various etiologies, including autoimmune disorders, infections, or genetic conditions affecting the adrenal cortex. Unlike primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease), which is specifically due to adrenal gland failure, this code encompasses cases where the adrenal insufficiency is secondary to other underlying conditions, such as pituitary disorders that affect adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) production. Symptoms may include fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, and electrolyte imbalances. Diagnosis typically involves hormonal assays, imaging studies, and sometimes stimulation tests to assess adrenal function. Treatment often requires hormone replacement therapy and management of the underlying cause. Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and to reflect the complexity of the patient's condition.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between primary and secondary adrenal insufficiency
  • Identifying underlying causes such as pituitary disorders
  • Variability in clinical presentation and symptoms
  • Need for comprehensive hormonal evaluation

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the underlying cause
  • Failure to differentiate between primary and secondary insufficiency
  • Lack of supporting lab results for hormone levels
  • Misuse of the code in cases of adrenal crisis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Endocrinology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed hormonal assay results, imaging studies, and clinical history of adrenal insufficiency.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with fatigue, weight loss, and hypotension requiring evaluation for adrenal insufficiency.

Billing Considerations

Ensure comprehensive documentation of all hormonal evaluations and any associated pituitary dysfunction.

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Thorough patient history, physical examination findings, and lab results indicating adrenal function.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with unexplained fatigue and electrolyte imbalances needing further endocrine evaluation.

Billing Considerations

Document any referrals to endocrinology for specialized testing and management.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use E27.49 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation
  • Include any relevant lab results and imaging studies that confirm the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use E27.49 When
  • Exclude conditions that are specifically defined under other codes

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

84436CPT Code

Cortisol, serum

Clinical Scenario

Used to confirm diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for testing and any relevant clinical findings.

Specialty Considerations

Endocrinologists should ensure comprehensive hormonal evaluations are documented.

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, enabling better tracking of patient outcomes and more accurate reimbursement for complex cases.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of adrenal insufficiency, enabling better tracking of patient outcomes and more accurate reimbursement for complex cases.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement for complex cases.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Endocrine Society Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Endocrine Society Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between E27.49 and E27.1?

E27.49 is used for other forms of adrenocortical insufficiency that are not classified as primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease), which is coded as E27.1. Accurate documentation is essential to differentiate between these conditions.