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ICD-10 Coding for Breast Nodule(N63.10, N63.11)

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

Also known as:

Breast LumpBreast Mass

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Breast Nodule

N63Primary Range

Unspecified lump in breast

This range includes codes for unspecified lumps in the breast, requiring further specification for laterality and quadrant.

Malignant neoplasm of breast

This range is used when a breast nodule is confirmed to be malignant.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
N63.10Unspecified lump in the right breast, unspecified quadrantUse when a lump is detected in the right breast but the quadrant is not specified.
  • Clinical examination indicating a palpable mass in the right breast
N63.11Unspecified lump in the right breast, upper outer quadrantUse when a lump is detected in the upper outer quadrant of the right breast.
  • Imaging or clinical exam confirming lump in upper outer quadrant

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 nodule

Essential facts and insights about Breast Nodule

The ICD-10 code for an unspecified lump in the breast is N63, with specific codes like N63.10 for the right breast, unspecified quadrant.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for breast nodule

Unspecified lump in the right breast, unspecified quadrant
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Document laterality and quadrant for specificity.

Applicable To

  • Unspecified lump in right breast

Excludes

  • Malignant neoplasm of breast (C50._)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Clinical examination indicating a palpable mass in the right breast

Code-Specific Risks

  • Potential claim denials due to lack of specificity

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies laterality and quadrant to avoid unspecified codes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Encounter for screening mammogram for malignant neoplasm of breast

Z12.31
Use when the encounter is for screening purposes.

Inconclusive mammogram

R92.2
Use when mammogram results are inconclusive.

Differential Codes

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

Malignant neoplasm of central portion of right female breast

C50.111
Use only if histological confirmation of malignancy is present.

Malignant neoplasm of upper-outer quadrant of right female breast

C50.311
Use only if histological confirmation of malignancy is present.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis recording, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates that prompt for quadrant documentation, Educate staff on importance of specificity

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the specific quadrant and laterality of the lump.

Impact

Using unspecified codes without proper documentation

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory fields for laterality and quadrant in EHR systems.

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

Documentation Templates for Breast Nodule

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

Breast Lump Evaluation

Specialty: Radiology

Required Elements

  • Laterality
  • Quadrant
  • Size
  • Imaging findings

Example Documentation

14mm irregular hypoechoic mass at 9:00 position right breast, 5cm from nipple, BI-RADS 4 - recommend core biopsy

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Lump in breast
Good Documentation Example
2cm firm mass at 10:00 position right breast, 6cm from nipple, mobile
Explanation
The good example specifies size, location, and characteristics, allowing for accurate coding.

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

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