Guide to ICD-10 Code E03.9 Hypothyroidism, Unspecified

A wonem stand in center and arround show the disease about this Hypothyroidism professional use the code for this disease E03.9.

Key Takeaways

  • E03.9 = Hypothyroidism, unspecified (billable ICD-10-CM code).
  • Use only when more specific details are not documented.
  • Related thyroid codes include E03.8 (other specified hypothyroidism) and E06.3 (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis).
  • Accurate use of E03.9 helps ensure clean claims and timely reimbursements.

The E03.9 diagnosis code in the ICD-10-CM system represents Hypothyroidism, unspecified. It is used when a patient has an underactive thyroid gland, but the medical records lack sufficient detail to specify the exact type or cause of hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism affects the body’s metabolism and can lead to fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and cognitive issues. Because this code is unspecified, it should generally be used when more precise documentation is not available.

What Is Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is a disorder in which the thyroid gland is underactive, leading to reduced production of thyroid hormones. These hormones play an important role in regulating metabolism, energy production, and overall body functions.Β 

Common symptoms include weakness, weight gain, depression, cold intolerance, and hair thinning.

E03.9 Diagnosis Code Description

  • Code: E03.9
  • Description: Hypothyroidism, unspecified
  • Category: Endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases
  • Billable Code: Yes, E03.9 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code for reimbursement purposes.
  • Use Case: When hypothyroidism is diagnosed, but the type (primary, congenital, post-procedural, etc.) is not documented.

Types of Hypothyroidism and Corresponding ICD-10 Codes

Different forms of hypothyroidism have specific ICD-10 codes. Below is a detailed overview:

Subclinical Hypothyroidism

  • Definition: Mild forms of hypothyroidism where thyroid hormone levels are within the normal range, but TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) levels are elevated.
  • ICD-10 Code: E02

Acquired Hypothyroidism

  • Definition: A non-congenital form of hypothyroidism often resulting from autoimmune diseases, iodine deficiency, or surgical removal of the thyroid.
  • ICD-10 Code: E03.4 (for acquired hypothyroidism due to thyroid atrophy)

Hypothyroidism Due to Thyroidectomy

  • Definition: Hypothyroidism resulting from the partial or total removal of the thyroid gland.
  • ICD-10 Code: Use the procedure code related to thyroidectomy along with E89.0 for post-procedural hypothyroidism.

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

  • Definition: An autoimmune condition causing chronic inflammation of the thyroid, leading to hypothyroidism.
  • ICD-10 Code: E06.3

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Related ICD-10 Codes for Thyroid Disorders

  • E03.8 – Other specified hypothyroidism
  • E06.3 – Autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s disease)
  • E02 – Subclinical iodine-deficiency hypothyroidism
  • E05.9 – Thyrotoxicosis, unspecified (hyperthyroidism)
  • E03.9 – Hypothyroidism, unspecified (most general code)

When to Use E03.9 in Medical Billing

  • Early diagnosis when the exact cause of hypothyroidism is unknown
  • Incomplete medical documentation
  • Cases where thyroid disorder is confirmed but not fully classified

Comparison Table - Common Hypothyroidism-Related ICD-10 Codes

ICD-10 Code

Description

When It’s Used

E03.9

Hypothyroidism, unspecified

When hypothyroidism is confirmed, but the cause/type is not documented.

E03.8

Other specified hypothyroidism

When a specific type of hypothyroidism (other than common categories) is documented.

E06.3

Autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s)

When hypothyroidism is due to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

E02

Subclinical iodine-deficiency hypothyroidism

When thyroid hormone levels are borderline due to iodine deficiency.

E89.0

Postprocedural hypothyroidism

When hypothyroidism occurs after surgery or treatment.

Conclusion

The E03.9 diagnosis code is essential in cases where hypothyroidism is confirmed but the details remain unclear. While it is billable, coders should always check for opportunities to use more specific ICD-10 codes whenever possible.

Our expert coding team ensures your thyroid-related claims, including E03.9 and related endocrine codes, are submitted accurately to reduce denials and speed up payments.

Contact CuresMB today for expert medical coding and billing support that keeps your revenue cycle healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

E03.9 is used for Hypothyroidism, unspecified. It’s chosen when the provider confirms hypothyroidism but does not specify the cause or type in the medical record

E03.9 means Hypothyroidism, unspecified, an underactive thyroid where the cause is not clearly defined.

Yes, E03.9 is a billable ICD-10-CM code and can be reported as a primary diagnosis for reimbursement.

The correct code is E06.3 – Autoimmune thyroiditis, which is more specific than E03.9.

E03.9 is used when hypothyroidism is unspecified, while E03.8 is for β€œOther specified hypothyroidism,” where details are known but don’t fit other defined categories.

Yes. E03.9 applies in both settings when documentation does not specify the type of hypothyroidism.

In Spanish, E03.9 is documented as Hipotiroidismo, no especificado.

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