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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesE24.9

E24.9

Billable

Cushing's syndrome, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 E24.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of cushing's syndrome, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Cushing's syndrome is a complex endocrine disorder characterized by excessive levels of cortisol in the blood, which can result from various causes, including pituitary adenomas, adrenal tumors, or ectopic ACTH production. The condition leads to a range of symptoms such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and skin changes. The unspecified designation indicates that the specific etiology of the syndrome has not been determined or documented. Diagnosis typically involves clinical evaluation, biochemical testing to measure cortisol levels, and imaging studies to identify potential tumors. Hormonal imbalances are central to the pathophysiology of Cushing's syndrome, as elevated cortisol affects multiple systems, leading to metabolic dysfunction and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The management of Cushing's syndrome often requires a multidisciplinary approach, including endocrinologists, surgeons, and primary care providers, to address the underlying cause and mitigate symptoms.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential underlying causes (pituitary, adrenal, ectopic)
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of symptoms and diagnostic tests
  • Differentiation from other endocrine disorders
  • Potential for comorbid conditions affecting treatment and coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms leading to diagnosis
  • Failure to specify the underlying cause of Cushing's syndrome
  • Misclassification of related endocrine disorders
  • Inconsistent coding of comorbid conditions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Endocrinology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on hormone levels, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Diagnosis and management of Cushing's syndrome, evaluation of adrenal masses.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the cause of hypercortisolism and any associated complications.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports detailing surgical interventions for adrenal tumors or pituitary adenomas.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical resection of adrenal tumors or transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas.

Billing Considerations

Document the rationale for surgical intervention and any preoperative evaluations.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use E24.9 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the diagnosis, including any relevant laboratory results and imaging studies

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use E24.9 When
  • Exclude conditions that are not related to Cushing's syndrome

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

60650CPT Code

Adrenalectomy

Clinical Scenario

Performed for adrenal tumors causing Cushing's syndrome.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indication.

Specialty Considerations

Endocrinology and surgery must coordinate on preoperative evaluations.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of Cushing's syndrome, enabling better tracking of the condition's prevalence and management. The unspecified code (E24.9) allows for flexibility in cases where the etiology is not yet determined.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of Cushing's syndrome, enabling better tracking of the condition's prevalence and management. The unspecified code (E24.9) allows for flexibility in cases where the etiology is not yet determined.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of Cushing's syndrome, enabling better tracking of the condition's prevalence and management. The unspecified code (E24.9) allows for flexibility in cases where the etiology is not yet determined.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Cushing's Syndrome Overview

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Cushing's Syndrome Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of Cushing's syndrome?

Cushing's syndrome can be caused by pituitary adenomas (Cushing's disease), adrenal tumors, or ectopic ACTH production from other tumors. It can also result from prolonged use of corticosteroid medications.