tci ED Coding & Reimbursement Alert - 2008 Issue 6

Reader Questions: Carry Hypothyroidism Dx to 4th Digit

Question: A patient who recently had surgery and radiation therapy to treat her thyroid cancer reports to the ED complaining of weakness, depression and a lack of tolerance for cold weather. The physician performs a level-four E/M and diagnoses the patient with hypothyroidism caused by the recent treatments. Should I use 244.9 as an ICD-9 code for the hypothyroidism? Minnesota SubscriberAnswer: You should choose a more specific ICD-9 code than 244.9 (Unspecified hypothyroidism). When coding for this condition, choose a diagnosis that reflects the postsurgical/postradiation state of the condition. When the patient has recently had thyroid surgery...

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