What is the correct code for myxedema coma?

Get ready for the Medical Coding 205 Exam. Enhance your skills with flashcards and multiple choice questions, reinforced with explanations and hints. Prepare for success!

Myxedema coma is a severe form of hypothyroidism characterized by a significant drop in metabolic activity, leading to life-threatening symptoms such as hypothermia, respiratory failure, and altered mental status. The appropriate code for myxedema coma falls under diseases of the thyroid gland, specifically hypothyroidism.

The correct coding choice is E03.5, which specifically refers to "myxedema coma." This code is used to identify the acute and critical condition associated with extreme hypothyroidism, clearly distinguishing it from other forms of hypothyroidism coded under different numbers. This specificity is crucial for accurate medical documentation and insurance billing, ensuring that healthcare providers are recognizing the severity of the patient's condition.

Other codes listed do not accurately represent myxedema coma. For example, E11.649 pertains to type 2 diabetes mellitus with complications but is unrelated to thyroid issues. E24.1 relates to Cushing's disease, which is a completely different endocrine disorder. E89.1 is used for complications following surgical procedures, which again does not apply in this context. Therefore, E03.5 is the precise and applicable code for myxedema coma.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy