Addisonian crisis

This code represents an acute, life-threatening exacerbation of adrenal insufficiency, characterized by severe hypotension, hypovolemic shock, and electrolyte imbalances. It results from a sudden and critical drop in adrenal hormones, primarily cortisol, often triggered by stress, infection, or abrupt withdrawal of corticosteroid therapy in patients with underlying adrenal insufficiency.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates a patient is experiencing an Addisonian crisis, an acute adrenal crisis, or adrenal shock. Supporting documentation will typically include signs and symptoms such as severe hypotension, altered mental status, hypoglycemia, hyperkalemia, and hyponatremia, along with laboratory confirmation of adrenal insufficiency.

• Always sequence this code as the principal diagnosis when it is the primary reason for the encounter.
• Do not confuse this with chronic adrenal insufficiency (E27.1) or other forms of adrenal hypofunction without the acute crisis component.
• Ensure documentation specifies "crisis" or "shock" to differentiate from less severe adrenal insufficiency exacerbations.