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
ICD-10 CodesE24.1

E24.1

Billable

Nelson's syndrome

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

Code Description

ICD-10 E24.1 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of nelson's syndrome.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Nelson's syndrome is a rare endocrine disorder that occurs in patients who have undergone bilateral adrenalectomy, typically for the treatment of Cushing's disease. The removal of the adrenal glands leads to a significant decrease in cortisol production, which in turn causes an increase in adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion from the pituitary gland due to loss of negative feedback. This hypersecretion of ACTH can result in the enlargement of the pituitary gland, leading to pituitary adenomas. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms related to excess ACTH, such as hyperpigmentation of the skin, fatigue, and other hormonal imbalances. The condition is characterized by the presence of a pituitary tumor, which can cause additional complications, including headaches and visual disturbances. Management often involves monitoring hormone levels and may require surgical intervention if the pituitary adenoma becomes symptomatic or grows significantly. Understanding the interplay between the adrenal, pituitary, and parathyroid glands is crucial in diagnosing and managing this syndrome effectively.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of endocrine system interactions
  • Differentiation from other pituitary disorders
  • Need for comprehensive patient history and documentation
  • Potential for multiple hormone level assessments

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of prior adrenal surgery
  • Failure to document hormone levels and symptoms
  • Misidentification of pituitary adenoma versus other tumors
  • Lack of follow-up notes on patient management

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Endocrinology

Documentation Requirements

Thorough documentation of hormone levels, imaging studies, and patient symptoms.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with symptoms of adrenal insufficiency or pituitary adenomas.

Billing Considerations

Endocrinologists must ensure accurate tracking of hormone replacement therapy and its effects.

Neurosurgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports and post-operative follow-up notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for pituitary adenomas causing visual disturbances.

Billing Considerations

Neurosurgeons should document the extent of tumor resection and any complications.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use E24.1 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, E24
  • 1 should be used when there is a confirmed diagnosis of Nelson's syndrome following adrenalectomy
  • Documentation must support the diagnosis, including hormone level assessments and imaging results

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use E24.1 When
  • Exclusion criteria include other causes of pituitary adenomas

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

60270CPT Code

Transsphenoidal resection of pituitary tumor

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient with Nelson's syndrome requires surgical intervention for a pituitary adenoma.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Neurosurgeons must document the extent of resection and any complications.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of Nelson's syndrome, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment tracking. This specificity aids in better patient management and research into the condition.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of Nelson's syndrome, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment tracking. This specificity aids in better patient management and research into the condition.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and quality of care.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Nelson's Syndrome Overview

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Nelson's Syndrome Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of Nelson's syndrome?

Common symptoms include fatigue, hyperpigmentation, and symptoms related to pituitary adenomas such as headaches and visual disturbances.

How is Nelson's syndrome diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms, elevated ACTH levels, and imaging studies showing pituitary enlargement.