ICD-10 Coding for Colorectal Adenocarcinoma(C18.9, C18.7)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Colorectal Adenocarcinoma. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Colorectal Adenocarcinoma
C18-C20Primary Range
Malignant neoplasm of colon, rectosigmoid junction, and rectum
This range includes all primary malignant neoplasms of the colon and rectum, which are the sites affected by colorectal adenocarcinoma.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| C18.9 | Malignant neoplasm of colon, unspecified | Use when the specific site within the colon is not documented. |
|
| C18.7 | Malignant neoplasm of sigmoid colon | Use when the tumor is specifically located in the sigmoid colon. |
|
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 colorectal adenocarcinoma
Essential facts and insights about Colorectal Adenocarcinoma
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for colorectal adenocarcinoma
Decision Criteria
documentation Criteria
- Document the specific site of the tumor if known.
Applicable To
- Colorectal adenocarcinoma when the specific site is not documented
Excludes
- Malignant neoplasm of rectum (C20)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Biopsy confirming adenocarcinoma
- Colonoscopy findings
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of undercoding if specific site is known but not documented
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies the site to avoid using unspecified codes.
C18.7 - Malignant neoplasm of sigmoid colon
Use when the tumor is specifically located in the sigmoid colon.
Applicable To
- Adenocarcinoma of sigmoid colon
Excludes
- Malignant neoplasm of rectosigmoid junction (C19)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Biopsy confirming adenocarcinoma in the sigmoid colon
- Imaging showing tumor in sigmoid colon
Coding Notes
Ensure accurate site documentation to support code selection.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Colorectal Adenocarcinoma to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code C18.9.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials due to insufficient detail.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure histology is documented in pathology reports, Review documentation before coding
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to reduced reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines requiring specificity., Data Quality: Decreases the accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document and code the specific site of the tumor.
Impact
High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used when specific site is documented.
Mitigation Strategy
Implement documentation checks to ensure site 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 Colorectal Adenocarcinoma, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Colorectal Adenocarcinoma
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Colorectal Adenocarcinoma. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Colorectal adenocarcinoma diagnosis
Specialty: OncologyRequired Elements
- Tumor site
- Histologic type
- Tumor size
- Invasion depth
- Lymphovascular invasion
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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