The E04.2 Diagnosis Code, as defined by the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM), is a crucial tool for medical professionals. It specifically designates nontoxic multinodular goiter, a condition characterized by an enlarged thyroid gland featuring multiple nodules, without associated hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. This code is essential for accurate medical billing, statistical tracking, and patient record management.
Within the ICD-10-CM system, E04.2 is categorized as a billable/specific code. This signifies its validity for use in reimbursement claims, directly indicating a diagnosis of nontoxic multinodular goiter. The code’s current iteration, valid for the year 2025, became effective on October 1, 2024, highlighting the importance of using the most up-to-date coding manuals for accurate medical documentation. It’s also important to note that while this article refers to the American ICD-10-CM version, international versions of ICD-10 E04.2 might present slight variations.
Applicable Terms and Synonyms for E04.2
To ensure clarity and accuracy in diagnosis and coding, several terms are considered applicable under the e04.2 diagnosis code. These include:
- Cystic goiter NOS: This refers to a goiter containing cysts, not otherwise specified as toxic or malignant.
- Multinodular (cystic) goiter NOS: This further specifies a multinodular goiter that also presents with cystic formations, again, not specified as toxic.
Furthermore, several approximate synonyms are used interchangeably with nontoxic multinodular goiter, all falling under the E04.2 code:
- Multinodular goiter
- Non-toxic multinodular goiter
- Thyroid goiter multinodular
- Thyroid goiter, nontoxic, multinodular
Context within ICD-10-CM and Related Codes
Understanding E04.2 also requires recognizing its place within the broader ICD-10-CM classification. It resides within the section of “Other nontoxic goiter” (E04), which is part of the larger chapter on endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases. Codes adjacent to E04.2 provide further context:
- E04.0 – Nontoxic diffuse goiter: Enlargement of the thyroid gland that is uniform throughout, without nodules.
- E04.1 – Nontoxic single thyroid nodule: Presence of a single nodule in the thyroid gland that is not toxic.
- E04.8 – Other specified nontoxic goiter: Other forms of nontoxic goiter not classified under E04.0, E04.1, or E04.2.
- E04.9 – Nontoxic goiter, unspecified: General nontoxic goiter where the specific type is not detailed.
These related codes help differentiate E04.2 from other thyroid conditions, emphasizing the multinodular nature of the goiter in this specific diagnosis.
Code History and Reimbursement
The e04.2 diagnosis code was officially introduced in 2016, marking the first year of the non-draft ICD-10-CM. Since then, it has remained unchanged through the annual updates, consistently valid from 2016 to the current 2025 edition. This stability underscores its established role in the medical coding system.
For healthcare providers and billing departments, it’s crucial to note that the implementation of ICD-10-CM codes, including E04.2, became mandatory for reimbursement claims with a date of service on or after October 1, 2015. Accurate application of the E04.2 diagnosis code is therefore essential for appropriate billing and claims processing related to nontoxic multinodular goiter.
In conclusion, the E04.2 diagnosis code serves as a precise identifier for nontoxic multinodular goiter within the ICD-10-CM system. Its specific nature, applicable terms, and context within related codes are vital for healthcare professionals, medical coders, and anyone involved in medical documentation and billing. Understanding E04.2 ensures accurate diagnosis recording, facilitates appropriate patient care management, and supports the integrity of healthcare data and reimbursement processes.
