Short answer · Medically reviewed summary · Last updated: 2026-04-06
The ICD-10 code for Addison disease, specifically categorized as primary adrenocortical insufficiency, is E27.1, while the corresponding ICD-9 code is 255.41. As a physician specializing in endocrine disorders, I understand that navigating the diagnostic coding for Addison disease is often a practical hurdle for patients when dealing with insurance claims or medical records. While these codes are essential for administrative purposes, they serve as a reminder that Addison disease is a complex condition requiring lifelong management of the adrenal cortex's inability to produce sufficient cortisol and, often, aldosterone. Clinical Significance of Coding In clinical practice, the E27.1 code represents the autoimmune destruction of the adrenal glands, which is the most common cause of primary adrenal insufficiency in developed countries.
4 people with Addison Disease have shared their first-person experience on this question at DiseaseMaps.
ICD10 code of Addison Disease and ICD9 code
ICD-10 and ICD-9 codes for Addison Disease, with classification details for clinicians, coders and patients.
The ICD-10 code for Addison disease, specifically categorized as primary adrenocortical insufficiency, is E27.1, while the corresponding ICD-9 code is 255.41.
As a physician specializing in endocrine disorders, I understand that navigating the diagnostic coding for Addison disease is often a practical hurdle for patients when dealing with insurance claims or medical records. While these codes are essential for administrative purposes, they serve as a reminder that Addison disease is a complex condition requiring lifelong management of the adrenal cortex's inability to produce sufficient cortisol and, often, aldosterone.
Clinical Significance of Coding
In clinical practice, the E27.1 code represents the autoimmune destruction of the adrenal glands, which is the most common cause of primary adrenal insufficiency in developed countries. When you see these codes on your medical documentation, they are the clinical shorthand used to ensure that your treatment plan—which typically includes daily Hydrocortisone and Fludrocortisone—is recognized and supported by your healthcare providers. Accurate coding is vital for ensuring that you receive consistent access to the medications necessary to prevent life-threatening adrenal crises.
Living with the Diagnosis
Receiving a diagnosis of Addison disease can be overwhelming, and it is natural to feel anxious when you see technical codes attached to your health identity. Beyond the numbers, it is important to remember that you are part of a community of over 1,500 individuals on DiseaseMaps who understand the daily challenges of managing blood pressure, skin pigmentation changes, and the constant vigilance required to maintain hormonal balance. While the ICD-10 code E27.1 is a clinical designation, your journey with Addison disease is defined by your resilience and your commitment to your health. Please ensure that your endocrinologist is aware of any changes in your symptoms, as these codes should always be secondary to your actual clinical presentation and well-being.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
References
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)
- Orphanet: Portal for rare diseases and orphan drugs
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
- Addison's Disease Self-Help Group (ADSHG)
ICD 10 - various: see section E27 subsections
Posted May 30, 2017 by Lucienne 800
A hormonal disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands fail to release adequate amounts of glucocorticoids (cortisol), mineralocorticoids (aldosterone, 11-deoxycorticosterone), and androgens (dehydroepiandrosterone) to meet physiologic needs, despite release of acth from the pituitary.
A rare endocrine or hormonal disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough of the hormone cortisol and in some cases, the hormone aldosterone. It may be due to a disorder of the adrenal glands themselves (primary adrenal insufficiency) or to inadequate secretion of acth by the pituitary gland (secondary adrenal insufficiency).
An adrenal disease characterized by the progressive destruction of the adrenal cortex, resulting in insufficient production of aldosterone and hydrocortisone. Clinical symptoms include anorexia; nausea; weight loss; muscle weakness; and hyperpigmentation of the skin due to increase in circulating levels of acth precursor hormone which stimulates melanocytes.
Disease characterized by hypotension, weight loss, anorexia, weakness, and sometimes a bronze-like melanotic hyperpigmentation of the skin; due to tuberculosis or autoimmune induced disease (hypofunction) of the adrenal glands that results in deficiency of aldosterone and cortisol.
Your adrenal glands are just above your kidneys. The outside layer of these glands makes hormones that help your body respond to stress and regulate your blood pressure and water and salt balance. Addison's disease happens if the adrenal glands don't make enough of these hormones. A problem with your immune system usually causes addison's disease. The immune system mistakenly attacks your own tissues, damaging your adrenal glands. Other causes include infections and cancer. Symptoms include
weight loss
muscle weakness
fatigue that gets worse over time
low blood pressure
patchy or dark skin
lab tests can confirm that you have addison's disease. If you don't treat it, it can be fatal. You will need to take hormone pills for the rest of your life. If you have addison's disease, you should carry an emergency id. It should say that you have the disease, list your medicines and say how much you need in an emergency.
Applicable To
Addison's disease
Autoimmune adrenalitis
Approximate Synonyms
Addison disease
Addison's disease, myopathy
Adrenal calcification
Adrenal insufficiency, primary
Myopathy due to Addison disease
Myopathy in Addison's disease
Primary adrenal insufficiency
Type 1 Excludes
Addison only phenotype adrenoleukodystrophy (E71.528)
amyloidosis (E85.-)
tuberculous Addison's disease (A18.7)
Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome (A39.1)
ICD-10-CM E27.1 is grouped within Diagnostic Related Group(s) (MS-DRG v34.0):
643 Endocrine disorders with mcc
644 Endocrine disorders with cc
645 Endocrine disorders without cc/mcc
Posted Sep 12, 2017 by Tina 2050
Posted Oct 18, 2017 by Susana 2000
Posted Oct 31, 2017 by Dayana 2520
