2025 ICD-10-CM code E24
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases - Disorders of other endocrine glands 4 Feed
Cushing's syndrome
Medical necessity for procedures and treatments related to Cushing's syndrome must be supported by documentation demonstrating the presence of the syndrome, its impact on the patient's health, and the rationale for the chosen treatment approach.
Diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome involves physical examination, laboratory tests (cortisol levels in urine, saliva, and blood; dexamethasone suppression tests; ACTH levels), and imaging studies (CT, MRI) to identify the source of excess cortisol. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause, which may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy for tumors, adjusting medication dosages, or medications to control cortisol production.
In simple words: Cushing's syndrome happens when your body has too much cortisol, a stress hormone. This can be caused by certain medications or tumors.Symptoms include weight gain, a round face, thin skin, and muscle weakness.
Cushing's syndrome, also known as hypercortisolism, is a disorder characterized by prolonged exposure to excessive levels of cortisol. This can be due to endogenous causes (overproduction by the body) such as a pituitary or adrenal tumor, or exogenous causes (external sources) such as prolonged use of corticosteroid medications.
Example 1: A 40-year-old female presents with rapid weight gain, particularly in the face and abdomen, along with thin skin, easy bruising, and muscle weakness. Laboratory tests reveal elevated cortisol levels, and an MRI reveals a pituitary adenoma. This scenario suggests Cushing's disease, a specific type of Cushing's syndrome., A 60-year-old male with a history of rheumatoid arthritis, treated with long-term high-dose prednisone, develops symptoms of Cushing's syndrome, including weight gain, a round face, and muscle weakness.This is a case of exogenous Cushing's syndrome induced by medication., A 30-year-old female presents with irregular menstrual cycles, hirsutism, and weight gain. Upon examination and testing, she is diagnosed with Cushing's syndrome due to an adrenal tumor. The tumor is surgically removed, and her symptoms gradually resolve.
Documentation should include details of the patient's signs and symptoms, results of laboratory tests (cortisol levels, ACTH levels, dexamethasone suppression test), imaging findings (CT, MRI), and details of any underlying causes such as tumors or medication use. Documentation of treatment plans, including surgery, medication adjustments, or other therapies, should also be included.
** Cushing's syndrome can have significant long-term health consequences if left untreated. Prompt diagnosis and management are essential to improve patient outcomes. It’s important to differentiate Cushing’s syndrome (broad term for the collection of symptoms) from Cushing’s disease (specifically caused by a pituitary tumor).If the information you have is incomplete, utilizing a platform like iFrameAI may offer better code look-up functionalities compared to manual look-up of just ICD, CPT, or HCPCS.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Endocrinology
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital