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ICD-10 Coding for Chest Wall Mass(D48.111, C49.3)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Chest Wall Mass. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Chest Wall TumorThoracic Wall Mass

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Chest Wall Mass

D48.1-D48.9Primary Range

Neoplasms of uncertain behavior of other and unspecified sites

Includes desmoid tumors of the chest wall, which are common presentations of chest wall masses.

Malignant neoplasm of connective and soft tissue

Used for malignant chest wall tumors such as sarcomas.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
D48.111Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of connective and other soft tissue, chest wallUse when a biopsy confirms a desmoid tumor of the chest wall.
  • Biopsy confirmation of desmoid tumor
  • MRI showing characteristic imaging features
C49.3Malignant neoplasm of connective and soft tissue of chest wallUse when histology confirms a malignant tumor of the chest wall.
  • Histological confirmation of malignancy
  • Imaging showing invasive characteristics

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 chest wall mass

Essential facts and insights about Chest Wall Mass

The ICD-10 code for a chest wall mass, specifically a desmoid tumor, is D48.111. This code is used when a biopsy confirms the presence of a desmoid tumor in the chest wall.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for chest wall mass

Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of connective and other soft tissue, chest wall
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Biopsy confirms desmoid tumor

documentation Criteria

  • MRI shows typical desmoid tumor features

Applicable To

  • Desmoid tumor of chest wall

Excludes

  • Malignant neoplasm of chest wall (C49.3)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Biopsy confirmation of desmoid tumor
  • MRI showing characteristic imaging features

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as malignant without biopsy confirmation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure biopsy confirmation before coding as D48.111.

Ancillary Codes

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

Precordial pain

R07.2
Use for documenting associated chest pain symptoms.

Differential Codes

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

Malignant neoplasm of connective and soft tissue of chest wall

C49.3
Histological confirmation of malignancy is required.

Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of connective and other soft tissue, chest wall

D48.111
Use when malignancy is not confirmed.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Chest Wall Mass to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code D48.111.

Impact

Clinical: Potential misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Denied claims due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Always confirm neoplasm diagnosis with biopsy before coding., Ensure documentation of biopsy results in the medical record.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect sequencing may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Sequence the neoplasm code first, followed by R07.2 for symptoms.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential underpayment due to incorrect coding., Compliance: Non-compliance with current procedural coding standards., Data Quality: Inaccurate procedural data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use the current CPT code 32662 for VATS approach.

Impact

Use of unspecified codes without anatomical specificity.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of tumor location and type.

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 Chest Wall Mass, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Chest Wall Mass

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Chest Wall Mass. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Desmoid tumor excision

Specialty: Surgical Oncology

Required Elements

  • Location and size of tumor
  • Imaging findings
  • Biopsy results
  • Surgical plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a 4 cm desmoid tumor on the right chest wall. MRI shows rib erosion. Biopsy confirms diagnosis. Plan for surgical excision with rib resection.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Chest wall mass, needs surgery.
Good Documentation Example
4 cm desmoid tumor on right chest wall confirmed by biopsy. MRI shows rib erosion. Plan for surgical excision with rib resection.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on tumor type, confirmation, and surgical plan.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Chest Wall Mass? Ask your questions below.

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