ICD-10 Code for Testosterone Level Testing
The primary ICD-10 code for ordering testosterone level testing is E29.1 (Testicular hypofunction), which should be used when clinical suspicion of testosterone deficiency exists based on symptoms, physical signs, or high-risk conditions. 1
Primary Diagnostic Code
Use E29.1 (Testicular hypofunction) as the primary code when any of the following are present: reduced energy, reduced endurance, diminished work/physical performance, fatigue, depression, reduced motivation, poor concentration, impaired memory, irritability, reduced sex drive, or erectile dysfunction 1
E29.1 should also be selected when physical examination reveals changes in body habitus, reduced virilization, gynecomastia, or testicular abnormalities 1
High-risk conditions warrant E29.1 coding even without symptoms, including 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 for Specific Presentations
When additional symptoms are prominent, 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 Clinical Context
Diagnosis requires both low testosterone measurements AND clinical symptoms/signs - the code E29.1 should not be used for screening asymptomatic individuals 1
Low testosterone is defined as consistently <300 ng/dL on at least two early morning measurements 1
All men with erectile dysfunction should have testosterone measured, particularly when PDE5 inhibitor therapy has failed, using code E29.1 with supplementary N52.9 1
Special Population Considerations
Men with diabetes who have symptoms or signs of low testosterone should have morning total testosterone measured using an accurate and reliable assay, coded with E29.1 2
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, using code 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, coded with E29.1 1
Common Pitfall to Avoid
Do not use E29.1 for routine screening in asymptomatic men - the code is specifically for clinical suspicion based on symptoms, signs, or high-risk conditions that warrant diagnostic evaluation 1