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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesE27.9

E27.9

Billable

Disorder of adrenal gland, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 E27.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of disorder of adrenal gland, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Disorders of the adrenal gland encompass a range of conditions that affect the production of hormones critical for various bodily functions. The adrenal glands, located on top of each kidney, produce hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenaline, which regulate metabolism, blood pressure, and stress responses. An unspecified disorder of the adrenal gland may indicate conditions such as adrenal insufficiency, hyperaldosteronism, or adrenal tumors, but without specific details, the exact nature of the disorder remains unclear. Symptoms can vary widely, including fatigue, weight changes, blood pressure fluctuations, and electrolyte imbalances. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to measure hormone levels, imaging studies to visualize the adrenal glands, and sometimes biopsy procedures. Treatment may include hormone replacement therapy, surgical intervention, or medication to manage symptoms. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate treatment and reimbursement, as well as for tracking the prevalence of adrenal disorders in the population.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in symptoms and presentation of adrenal disorders
  • Need for comprehensive diagnostic testing to determine specific conditions
  • Potential overlap with other endocrine disorders (e.g., pituitary or parathyroid disorders)
  • Lack of specificity in the code, leading to potential misinterpretation

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of symptoms and diagnostic tests
  • Inconsistent use of the unspecified code when more specific codes are available
  • Failure to document the clinical rationale for using an unspecified code
  • Lack of follow-up documentation to support ongoing treatment

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Endocrinology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed hormone level assessments, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with fatigue, weight changes, or hypertension without a clear diagnosis.

Billing Considerations

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

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive patient history, physical examination findings, and any referrals to specialists.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with nonspecific symptoms that may indicate an adrenal disorder.

Billing Considerations

Internists should be aware of the potential for adrenal disorders in patients with chronic illnesses.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use E27.9 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, E27
  • 9 should be used when the specific type of adrenal disorder is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that all relevant clinical information is captured to avoid ambiguity

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use E27.9 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

84403CPT Code

Cortisol, serum

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate adrenal function in patients with suspected adrenal disorders.

Documentation Requirements

Document the clinical indication for the test and any relevant patient history.

Specialty Considerations

Endocrinologists should ensure that cortisol levels are interpreted in the context of other hormone levels.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of adrenal disorders, but the use of unspecified codes like E27.9 can lead to challenges in accurately capturing the complexity of patient conditions.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of adrenal disorders, but the use of unspecified codes like E27.9 can lead to challenges in accurately capturing the complexity of patient conditions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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

When should I use E27.9 instead of a more specific code?

E27.9 should be used when the specific type of adrenal disorder is not documented, and further testing is pending to clarify the diagnosis.