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ICD-10 Coding for Benign Brain Tumor(D33.0, D33.1, Z86.011)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Benign Brain Tumor. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Non-malignant Brain TumorBenign Intracranial Neoplasm

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Benign Brain Tumor

D33.0-D33.9Primary Range

Benign neoplasms of brain and other parts of central nervous system

This range includes codes for benign brain tumors, differentiating by location and behavior.

Personal history of benign neoplasm of brain

Used for patients with a history of benign brain tumors that are no longer active.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
D33.0Benign neoplasm of brain, supratentorialUse when imaging confirms a benign tumor in the supratentorial region.
  • MRI showing supratentorial mass
  • Histopathology report confirming benign nature
D33.1Benign neoplasm of brain, infratentorialUse when imaging confirms a benign tumor in the infratentorial region.
  • MRI showing infratentorial mass
  • Histopathology report confirming benign nature
Z86.011Personal history of benign neoplasm of brainUse for patients with a history of benign brain tumors that are no longer active.
  • Documentation of prior resection
  • Current imaging showing no active tumor

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for benign brain tumor

Essential facts and insights about Benign Brain Tumor

The ICD-10 code for a benign brain tumor is D33.0 for supratentorial and D33.1 for infratentorial tumors.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for benign brain tumor

Benign neoplasm of brain, supratentorial
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed benign tumor in supratentorial region

Applicable To

  • Benign tumor in the supratentorial region

Excludes

  • Malignant neoplasm of brain (C71.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI showing supratentorial mass
  • Histopathology report confirming benign nature

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if site is not specified

Coding Notes

  • Ensure the site is specified as supratentorial to avoid unspecified coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Headache

R51.9
Use if the patient presents with headache symptoms.

Cerebral edema

G93.89
Use if cerebral edema is present.

Differential Codes

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

Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of brain

D42.0
Use when pathology is ambiguous about benign vs. uncertain behavior.

Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of brain, infratentorial

D42.1
Use when pathology is ambiguous about benign vs. uncertain behavior.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Benign Brain Tumor to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code D33.0.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to unspecified coding, affecting treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials due to lack of specificity.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on importance of site-specific documentation., Implement checklist for documentation completeness.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect use may lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Reserve Z86.011 for history only after treatment completion.

Impact

Failure to document specific tumor site can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement regular documentation audits and training.

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 Benign Brain Tumor, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Benign Brain Tumor

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Benign Brain Tumor. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Neurosurgery Progress Note

Specialty: Neurosurgery

Required Elements

  • Patient symptoms
  • MRI findings
  • Histopathology results
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: Patient reports no new symptoms. **Objective**: MRI shows stable lesion. **Assessment**: Stable benign meningioma. **Plan**: Continue surveillance.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Brain tumor, benign.
Good Documentation Example
2.7 cm left temporal lobe meningothelial meningioma (WHO Grade I), stable on annual MRI. No hydrocephalus.
Explanation
The good example provides specific site, size, and stability status, improving clarity and coding accuracy.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Benign Brain Tumor? Ask your questions below.

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