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ICD-10 Coding for Breast Cancer in Remission(Z85.3, Z08)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Breast Cancer in Remission. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Breast Cancer HistoryPost-Treatment Breast Cancer

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Breast Cancer in Remission

Z85.3Primary Range

Personal history of malignant neoplasm of breast

Used to indicate a history of breast cancer when there is no active disease.

Encounter for follow-up examination after completed treatment for malignant neoplasm

Used for follow-up visits after treatment completion to monitor for recurrence.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
Z85.3Personal history of malignant neoplasm of breastUse when the patient has no active breast cancer and is not receiving curative treatment.
  • No evidence of disease on imaging
  • Completed curative treatment
  • Adjuvant therapy is prophylactic
Z08Encounter for follow-up examination after completed treatment for malignant neoplasmUse for follow-up visits post-treatment to monitor for recurrence.
  • Follow-up visit documented
  • No active treatment ongoing

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: How is breast cancer in remission coded?

Essential facts and insights about Breast Cancer in Remission

Breast cancer in remission is coded with Z85.3 for history and Z08 for follow-up visits, provided there is no active disease.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for breast cancer in remission

Personal history of malignant neoplasm of breast
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • No evidence of active disease

coding Criteria

  • Patient is not receiving curative treatment

Applicable To

  • History of breast cancer

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • No evidence of disease on imaging
  • Completed curative treatment
  • Adjuvant therapy is prophylactic

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly used when active treatment is ongoing

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation clearly states no active disease and treatment intent.

Ancillary Codes

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

Hormone therapy

Z79.890
Use when patient is on hormone therapy for prevention.

Differential Codes

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

Malignant neoplasm of breast

C50.XXX
Use C50.XXX if there is active disease or ongoing curative treatment.

Encounter for antineoplastic chemotherapy

Z51.11
Use Z51.11 if the visit is for chemotherapy administration.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Breast Cancer in Remission to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z85.3.

Impact

Clinical: Misinterpretation of patient status., Regulatory: Potential for audit issues., Financial: Incorrect billing and reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Clarify therapy intent in documentation., Use specific language regarding treatment goals.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Verify treatment intent and use C50.XXX if treatment is curative.

Impact

Using Z85.3 when active treatment is ongoing.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify treatment intent and document clearly.

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 Breast Cancer in Remission, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Breast Cancer in Remission

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Breast Cancer in Remission. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Surveillance Visit

Specialty: Oncology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Current status
  • Adjuvant therapy
  • Surveillance plan

Example Documentation

Patient status post left mastectomy for ER+ breast cancer, completed treatment. No evidence of disease on recent imaging. Continues anastrozole for prevention.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient doing well, on tamoxifen.
Good Documentation Example
Patient has no evidence of disease, on tamoxifen for recurrence prevention.
Explanation
The good example specifies the intent of therapy and confirms no active disease.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Breast Cancer in Remission? Ask your questions below.

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