E16.3

HCC Category Mapping

What This Code Means

The pancreas is producing too much glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels.

Coding Tips

• •Document whether this is associated with a glucagonoma (pancreatic tumor) or other underlying cause
• •Consider if this is a secondary finding related to another endocrine disorder or malignancy

Clinical Significance

E16.3 identifies increased secretion of glucagon, a rare condition typically caused by glucagonoma (a neuroendocrine tumor of pancreatic alpha cells). The glucagonoma syndrome classically presents with necrolytic migratory erythema, diabetes mellitus, weight loss, anemia, and venous thromboembolism, representing a clinically significant paraneoplastic syndrome.

Documentation Requirements

• ✓Documentation must include the diagnosis of increased glucagon secretion with supporting laboratory evidence (elevated serum glucagon levels).
• ✓The underlying cause, typically a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, should be identified.
• ✓Imaging findings and clinical manifestations should be documented.

Commonly Confused Codes