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ICD-10 Coding for Adenocarcinoma of Cecum(C18.0)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Adenocarcinoma of Cecum. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Cecal CancerCecum Adenocarcinoma

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Adenocarcinoma of Cecum

C18-C20Primary Range

Malignant neoplasms of colon, rectosigmoid junction, rectum

This range includes all malignant neoplasms of the colon, with C18.0 specifically for the cecum.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for adenocarcinoma of cecum

Essential facts and insights about Adenocarcinoma of Cecum

The ICD-10 code for adenocarcinoma of the cecum is C18.0.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for adenocarcinoma of cecum

Malignant neoplasm of cecum
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Mass located in cecum confirmed by imaging or colonoscopy

documentation Criteria

  • Pathology report specifies adenocarcinoma in cecum

Applicable To

  • Adenocarcinoma of cecum

Excludes

  • Malignant neoplasm of appendix (C18.1)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Colonoscopy report indicating mass in cecum
  • Pathology report confirming adenocarcinoma in cecum

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using C18.9 if cecum is not specified

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'cecum' to avoid unspecified coding.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Secondary malignant neoplasm of retroperitoneum and peritoneum

C78.6
Use if there is metastasis to the peritoneum.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Malignant neoplasm of ascending colon

C18.2
Use C18.2 if the tumor extends beyond the cecum and origin is unclear.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Adenocarcinoma of Cecum to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code C18.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential reimbursement issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate clinicians on the importance of specifying tumor location.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential denial due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in cancer registry data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies 'cecum' to use C18.0.

Impact

High risk of audit if tumor location is not specified.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation explicitly states 'cecum' when applicable.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Adenocarcinoma of Cecum, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Adenocarcinoma of Cecum

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Adenocarcinoma of Cecum. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Surgical Resection of Cecal Tumor

Specialty: Surgery

Required Elements

  • Procedure details
  • Tumor location and size
  • Pathology findings

Example Documentation

**Procedure**: Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy **Findings**: 3.5 cm mass in cecum, 2 cm from ileocecal valve. **Pathology**: Moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma (M8140/3), pT3N1M0.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Cancer found in colon.
Good Documentation Example
Ulcerated mass in cecum (4 cm), biopsy-confirmed moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma (M8140/3).
Explanation
The good example specifies the location and type of cancer, which is necessary for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Adenocarcinoma of Cecum? Ask your questions below.

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