ICD-10 Coding for Colon Cancer(C18.2, C18.7)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Colon Cancer. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Colon Cancer
C18.0-C18.9Primary Range
Malignant neoplasm of colon
This range covers all primary malignant neoplasms of the colon, specifying different anatomical sites.
Personal history of other malignant neoplasm of large intestine
Used for patients with a history of colon cancer post-treatment.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| C18.2 | Malignant neoplasm of ascending colon | Use when the tumor is located in the ascending colon and confirmed by biopsy. |
|
| C18.7 | Malignant neoplasm of sigmoid colon | Use when the tumor is located in the sigmoid colon and confirmed by histology. |
|
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 carcinoma colon
Essential facts and insights about Colon Cancer
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for carcinoma colon
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Biopsy confirms adenocarcinoma in the ascending colon
Applicable To
- Adenocarcinoma of ascending colon
Excludes
- Benign neoplasm of ascending colon
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Biopsy-confirmed adenocarcinoma of the ascending colon
- Imaging showing mass in ascending colon
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if tumor location is not specified
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies the exact location within the colon to avoid using unspecified codes.
C18.7 - Malignant neoplasm of sigmoid colon
Use when the tumor is located in the sigmoid colon and confirmed by histology.
Applicable To
- Adenocarcinoma of sigmoid colon
Excludes
- Benign neoplasm of sigmoid colon
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Histology showing invasive adenocarcinoma in sigmoid colon
- CT scan revealing mass in sigmoid colon
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies the exact location within the colon to avoid using unspecified codes.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Secondary malignant neoplasm of bone
C79.51Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Colon Cancer to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code C18.2.
Impact
Clinical: Impacts treatment decisions and prognosis, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential for denied claims due to incomplete documentation
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure pathology reports include histologic grade, Train staff on documentation standards
Impact
Reimbursement: Reduced reimbursement due to lack of specificity, Compliance: Increased risk of audits for unspecified coding, Data Quality: Decreased data quality and accuracy in patient records
Mitigation Strategy
Always document and code the specific site of the tumor within the colon.
Impact
High audit risk for using unspecified codes when specific site is documented.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all documentation includes specific tumor site.
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 Colon Cancer, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Colon Cancer
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Colon Cancer. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Initial diagnosis of colon cancer
Specialty: OncologyRequired Elements
- Tumor location
- Histologic grade
- Staging
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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