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ICD-10 Coding for Cecal Adenocarcinoma(C18.0)

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

Also known as:

Cecal CancerCancer of the Cecum

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Cecal Adenocarcinoma

C18.0-C18.9Primary Range

Malignant neoplasms of the colon

This range includes codes for malignant neoplasms of different parts of the colon, with C18.0 specifically for the cecum.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for cecal adenocarcinoma

Essential facts and insights about Cecal Adenocarcinoma

The ICD-10 code for cecal adenocarcinoma is C18.0, indicating a malignant neoplasm of the cecum.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for cecal adenocarcinoma

Malignant neoplasm of cecum
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed adenocarcinoma located in the cecum

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation must specify 'cecum' or 'ileocecal valve'

Applicable To

  • Adenocarcinoma of the cecum

Excludes

  • Malignant neoplasm of appendix (C18.1)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Histopathology report confirming adenocarcinoma
  • Imaging showing cecal mass

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if the tumor involves adjacent colon sites without specification

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'cecum' to avoid misclassification.

Ancillary Codes

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

Intestinal obstruction

K56.6
Use when the cecal tumor causes obstruction.

Anemia in neoplastic disease

D63.1
Use when anemia is due to the malignancy.

Differential Codes

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

Malignant neoplasm of ascending colon

C18.2
Use C18.2 if the tumor is confirmed in the ascending colon rather than the cecum.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cecal Adenocarcinoma to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code C18.0.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement for metastatic sites.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document and code secondary sites.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to improper DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in cancer registry data.

Mitigation Strategy

Query provider to confirm if the tumor is in the cecum and use C18.0.

Impact

Coding the wrong part of the colon due to vague documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement provider education on documentation specificity.

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

Documentation Templates for Cecal Adenocarcinoma

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

Initial diagnosis of cecal adenocarcinoma

Specialty: Oncology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Imaging results
  • Biopsy findings
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

62M with RLQ pain, CT shows cecal mass, biopsy confirms adenocarcinoma.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Colon cancer diagnosed.
Good Documentation Example
Adenocarcinoma of the cecum confirmed by biopsy.
Explanation
The good example specifies the exact location and type of cancer.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Cecal Adenocarcinoma? Ask your questions below.

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