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ICD-10 Coding for Breast Lump(N63.2, N63.10)

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

Also known as:

Breast MassBreast Nodule

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Breast Lump

N63Primary Range

Unspecified lump in breast

This range covers unspecified lumps in the breast, including those without a confirmed diagnosis of malignancy.

Malignant neoplasm of breast

This range is used when a breast lump is confirmed as malignant through biopsy.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
N63.2Unspecified lump in the left breastUse when a lump is identified in the left breast and the specific quadrant is not documented.
  • Physical examination findings
  • Imaging results (e.g., mammography, ultrasound)
N63.10Unspecified lump in the right breast, unspecified quadrantUse when a lump is identified in the right breast and the specific quadrant is not documented.
  • Physical examination findings
  • Imaging results (e.g., mammography, ultrasound)

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 breast lump

Essential facts and insights about Breast Lump

The ICD-10 code for an unspecified breast lump is N63.2 for the left breast and N63.10 for the right breast, unspecified quadrant.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for breast lump

Unspecified lump in the left breast
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Presence of a lump in the left breast without quadrant specification

Applicable To

  • Lump in left breast, unspecified quadrant

Excludes

  • Malignant neoplasm of breast (C50.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Physical examination findings
  • Imaging results (e.g., mammography, ultrasound)

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of under-coding if quadrant is specified but not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is documented to avoid unspecified coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Encounter for other screening mammography

Z12.39
Use when the lump is discovered during a screening mammogram.

Differential Codes

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

Malignant neoplasm of left breast, unspecified site

C50.912
Use C50.912 only if malignancy is confirmed through biopsy.

Malignant neoplasm of right breast, unspecified site

C50.911
Use C50.911 only if malignancy is confirmed through biopsy.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Breast Lump to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N63.2.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement due to unspecified coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates that prompt for quadrant documentation., Educate providers on the importance of specific documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines requiring specificity., Data Quality: Reduces the accuracy of clinical data for research and analysis.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document and code the specific quadrant when available.

Impact

Audits may focus on the use of unspecified codes when specific information is available.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation includes laterality and quadrant details.

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 Lump, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Breast Lump

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

Breast Lump Evaluation

Specialty: Radiology

Required Elements

  • Location: Right/Left/Bilateral
  • Size: ___ cm
  • Consistency: Mobile/Fixed
  • Skin changes: Erythema/Peau d'orange/Normal
  • Imaging correlation: Mammogram BIRADS __
  • Plan: FNA/core biopsy/excisional biopsy

Example Documentation

3 cm firm, fixed mass at 9 o'clock (left UOQ). Mammogram BIRADS 5. Recommend core biopsy.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Lump in left breast
Good Documentation Example
2 cm mobile, tender lump in left upper outer quadrant (UOQ), no skin changes
Explanation
The good example provides specific location and characteristics, improving coding accuracy.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Breast Lump? Ask your questions below.

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