Hungry bone syndrome

This code represents hungry bone syndrome, a rare but significant complication characterized by profound hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, and hypomagnesemia following parathyroidectomy or, less commonly, thyroidectomy. It results from rapid remineralization of bone after the removal of excessive parathyroid hormone (PTH) stimulation.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states "hungry bone syndrome" as a diagnosis, typically in the post-operative period following parathyroidectomy for primary or secondary hyperparathyroidism. Supporting documentation will often include laboratory findings of severe and prolonged hypocalcemia requiring significant calcium and vitamin D supplementation.

• Ensure the documentation clearly specifies "hungry bone syndrome" and not just general post-operative hypocalcemia.
• Code any underlying conditions, such as primary or secondary hyperparathyroidism, that led to the parathyroidectomy.
• Consider sequencing this code after the primary reason for the surgery if the hungry bone syndrome is a complication.