Carcinoid syndrome
ICD-10 E34.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of carcinoid syndrome.
Carcinoid syndrome is a group of symptoms that occur in patients with carcinoid tumors, which are neuroendocrine tumors that typically arise in the gastrointestinal tract, particularly the small intestine, or the lungs. These tumors can secrete various hormones, most notably serotonin, which leads to characteristic symptoms. The syndrome is marked by flushing of the skin, diarrhea, wheezing, and abdominal pain. The flushing is often episodic and can be triggered by certain foods or stress. Diarrhea can be profuse and is often accompanied by abdominal cramping. Patients may also experience heart valve abnormalities due to the effects of serotonin on the heart, leading to carcinoid heart disease. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through imaging studies and biochemical tests, including elevated levels of 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in urine. Management involves treating the underlying tumor, often with surgical resection, and symptomatic relief through medications such as somatostatin analogs. Understanding carcinoid syndrome is crucial for effective coding and billing, as it can significantly impact patient management and outcomes.
Detailed pathology reports, imaging studies, and treatment plans.
Patients presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms and a known history of carcinoid tumors.
Ensure all tumor markers and symptoms are documented to support the diagnosis.
Hormonal assay results, patient history of flushing and diarrhea, and treatment response.
Patients with unexplained flushing and diarrhea who have elevated serotonin levels.
Document the correlation between hormonal levels and clinical symptoms for accurate coding.
Used when a biopsy of a suspected carcinoid tumor is performed.
Pathology report must confirm the presence of carcinoid tumor.
Oncology specialists should ensure that all tumor characteristics are documented.
Common symptoms include flushing, diarrhea, wheezing, and abdominal pain, often triggered by certain foods or stress.
Diagnosis is typically made through imaging studies, biopsy of the tumor, and elevated levels of 5-HIAA in urine.
Treatment options include surgical resection of the tumor, medications like somatostatin analogs, and management of symptoms.
