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E21.0
ICD-10-CM
Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Find information on primary hyperparathyroidism diagnosis, including clinical documentation tips, medical coding guidelines (ICD-10 codes E21.0, E21.1, E21.2, E21.3), and healthcare resources. Learn about elevated calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, and related symptoms for accurate diagnosis and coding of primary hyperparathyroidism in medical records. Explore relevant medical terminology, clinical findings, and best practices for documenting this endocrine disorder.

Also known as

PHPT
Parathyroid Adenoma

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Overactive parathyroid glands cause high blood calcium.
  • Clinical Signs : Often asymptomatic. May include weakness, kidney stones, bone pain, or fatigue.
  • Common Settings : Diagnosed by blood tests during routine checkups or investigation of related symptoms.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC E21.0 Coding
E21.0

Primary hyperparathyroidism

Overactive parathyroid glands cause high calcium levels.

E83.51

Disorder of calcium metabolism

Abnormal calcium levels due to various factors.

E89.89

Other specified endocrine disorders

Endocrine disorders not classified elsewhere.

R94.89

Abnormal findings in other endocrine glands

Unusual test results related to endocrine function.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the hyperparathyroidism primary?

  • Yes

    Is it due to neoplasm?

  • No

    Do NOT code as primary hyperparathyroidism. Review guidelines for other forms (secondary, tertiary, etc.)

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Primary hyperparathyroidism
Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia
Secondary hyperparathyroidism

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Elevated serum calcium: Document total and ionized levels.
  • Elevated PTH: Indicate method and reference range.
  • Exclude secondary causes: Renal failure, vitamin D deficiency.
  • Signs/symptoms: Stones, bones, groans, moans, psychiatric overtones.
  • Imaging: Consider bone densitometry or sestamibi scan if indicated.

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Missed adenoma localization

    Coding lacks laterality (right, left, etc.) or location (e.g., intrathyroidal) of adenoma, impacting reimbursement and quality metrics.

  • Inaccurate calcium coding

    Elevated calcium (E83.51) is often missed, leading to undercoding of severity and potential DRG misassignment.

  • Unspecified hyperparathyroidism

    Using unspecified code (E21.0) when a more specific code (e.g., E21.1 for primary) is clinically supported, leading to data inaccuracy.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document all PHPT symptoms: weakness, stones, bones, groans, psych moans
  • Order ionized calcium, PTH levels for suspected PHPT; ensure ICD-10-CM E21.0 coding accuracy
  • Image parathyroid glands (sestamibi scan, ultrasound) for localization, document findings for CDI
  • Evaluate vitamin D levels; correct deficiency before PHPT surgery for optimal outcomes, CPT coding
  • Multidisciplinary team (endocrinologist, surgeon) crucial for accurate diagnosis, treatment, compliant documentation

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Elevated serum calcium: Verify >10.5 mg/dL
  • Low serum phosphorus: Check if <2.5 mg/dL
  • Elevated PTH: Confirm high or inappropriately normal
  • Exclude secondary causes: Medications, renal failure

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • **Reimbursement and Quality Metrics Impact Summary: Primary Hyperparathyroidism**
  • **Keywords:** Medical billing, coding accuracy, ICD-10 E21.0, CPT parathyroidectomy codes, hospital quality reporting, hypercalcemia, bone density, nephrolithiasis
  • **Impact 1:** Accurate coding (E21.0) maximizes reimbursement for parathyroidectomy.
  • **Impact 2:** Proper documentation of hypercalcemia, bone density, and nephrolithiasis impacts quality metrics.
  • **Impact 3:** Post-op calcium levels monitoring influences hospital readmission rates and value-based payments.
  • **Impact 4:** Correct coding and documentation improve data accuracy for hospital reporting and resource allocation.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes for . Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code E83.51 for primary
  • Document elevated PTH
  • Confirm hypercalcemia code

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with signs and symptoms suggestive of primary hyperparathyroidism.  Elevated calcium levels, hypercalcemia, were noted on routine laboratory workup or during investigation for presenting complaints such as fatigue, muscle weakness, bone pain, kidney stones, nephrolithiasis, or gastrointestinal issues including constipation, nausea, and abdominal pain.  The patient reports experiencing some combination of these symptoms, impacting their quality of life.  Differential diagnosis includes familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia, malignancy-related hypercalcemia, and other causes of hypercalcemia.  Serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels are elevated, confirming the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism.  Further evaluation including 24-hour urine calcium excretion, serum phosphate, vitamin D levels, and renal function tests were performed to assess the extent of the disease and potential complications.  Imaging studies such as a parathyroid sestamibi scan or ultrasound may be considered for localization of an adenoma.  The patient was counseled on the risks and benefits of parathyroidectomy, the definitive treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism.  Management options including observation, medical therapy with bisphosphonates for bone protection, and surgical intervention were discussed.  The treatment plan will be determined based on the patient's symptoms, severity of hypercalcemia, presence of complications, and patient preference.  Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor calcium levels, PTH levels, and kidney function.  Patient education regarding diet, hydration, and potential complications was provided.  ICD-10 code E21.0, primary hyperparathyroidism, is documented for billing and coding purposes.
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