ICD-10 Code for Testosterone Testing
Use ICD-10 code E29.1 (Testicular hypofunction) as the primary diagnostic code when ordering testosterone testing based on clinical suspicion of testosterone deficiency. 1
Primary Diagnostic Code
E29.1 (Testicular hypofunction) is the recommended code when clinical symptoms or risk factors suggest testosterone deficiency, including reduced energy, reduced endurance, diminished work/physical performance, fatigue, depression, reduced motivation, poor concentration, impaired memory, irritability, reduced sex drive, or erectile dysfunction. 1
Physical examination findings that support using E29.1 include changes in body habitus, reduced virilization, gynecomastia, or testicular abnormalities. 1
High-risk conditions warrant E29.1 even without overt symptoms: unexplained anemia, bone density loss, diabetes, chemotherapy exposure, testicular radiation exposure, HIV/AIDS, chronic narcotic use, male infertility, pituitary dysfunction, or chronic corticosteroid use. 1
Supplementary Codes Based on Presenting Symptoms
When specific symptoms predominate, add these supplementary codes alongside E29.1:
- N52.9 (Male erectile dysfunction, unspecified) if erectile dysfunction is the primary complaint. 1
- R53.83 (Other fatigue) if fatigue is the presenting symptom. 1
- F32.9 (Major depressive disorder, single episode, unspecified) if depressive symptoms are prominent. 1
- D64.9 (Anemia, unspecified) if unexplained anemia is present. 1
Critical Testing Requirements
Testosterone deficiency diagnosis requires both low testosterone measurements (<300 ng/dL on at least two early morning measurements) AND clinical symptoms or signs—the code should reflect clinical suspicion that justifies testing, not just screening. 1
Morning serum total testosterone measurement is essential, obtained before 11:00 AM to account for diurnal variation. 2
In men with diabetes who have symptoms or signs of low testosterone, measure morning total testosterone using an accurate and reliable assay. 3
Special Clinical Contexts
All men with erectile dysfunction should have testosterone measured, particularly when PDE5 inhibitor therapy has failed—use E29.1 with supplementary N52.9. 3, 1
HIV-infected men with fatigue, weight loss, loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, depressive symptoms, or reduced bone mineral density should have morning serum total testosterone measured—use E29.1 with appropriate supplementary codes. 1
Men with chronic liver disease being evaluated for osteoporosis should have serum testosterone/SHBG/LH/FSH measured in the morning due to significant diurnal variation—use E29.1. 3
Common Pitfall
Do not use screening codes or "rule out" codes—E29.1 reflects clinical suspicion based on symptoms, signs, or high-risk conditions that justify the test, which is the standard for insurance coverage and medical necessity documentation. 1