ICD-10 Code E36.12 – Accidental puncture and laceration of an endocrine system organ or structure during other procedure (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code E36.12 – Accidental puncture and laceration of an endocrine system organ or structure during other procedure
What it is
This code identifies an unintended puncture or tear of an endocrine organ or structure that occurs during a procedure. Use it when the injury is documented as a complication of another procedure, not as the original reason for care.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. You may see operative notes describing the injury, unexpected bleeding, tissue disruption, or a recognized breach of an endocrine structure during surgery or another intervention.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents an accidental puncture or laceration involving an endocrine system organ or structure during a procedure. It applies when the complication is clearly identified and linked to the procedure performed.
Code it from the record, including operative reports, procedure notes, or complication statements. If the documentation does not specify the endocrine structure or whether the event was accidental, check documentation before assigning the code.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for intentional surgical removal, planned entry, or disease-related injury. Do not use it if the record only describes a suspected complication without confirming an accidental puncture or laceration.
Coding tip
Confirm that the injury was accidental and occurred during another procedure, then code the specific endocrine structure only if the documentation supports it.