Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma(C84.A0, C84.A4, C86.6)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

CTCLCutaneous T-cell lymphomaSkin T-cell lymphoma

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma

C84.A0-C84.A9Primary Range

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma codes

This range includes codes specific to cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, covering various sites and subtypes.

Primary cutaneous CD30+ T-cell lymphoma

This code is used for specific subtypes of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, such as CD30+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
C84.A0Unspecified cutaneous T-cell lymphomaUse when the specific site of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is not documented.
  • Biopsy confirming T-cell lymphoma
  • Exclusion of systemic involvement
C84.A4Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma of axilla and upper limb lymph nodesUse when CTCL involves axillary or upper limb lymph nodes.
  • Biopsy confirming T-cell lymphoma in axillary nodes
  • Imaging showing lymph node involvement
C86.6Primary cutaneous CD30+ T-cell lymphomaUse for CD30+ primary cutaneous lymphomas confirmed by biopsy.
  • Immunohistochemistry showing CD30 positivity
  • Exclusion of systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma

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 cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

Essential facts and insights about Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma

The ICD-10 code for unspecified cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is C84.A0. For specific sites, such as axillary involvement, use C84.A4.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for cutaneous type cell lymphoma

Unspecified cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Biopsy confirms cutaneous T-cell lymphoma without specific site.

Applicable To

  • Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma NOS

Excludes

  • Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (C84.4-)
  • Primary cutaneous CD30+ T-cell lymphoma (C86.6)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Biopsy confirming T-cell lymphoma
  • Exclusion of systemic involvement

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of under-coding if specific site is known but not documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the absence of systemic involvement.

Ancillary Codes

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

Pruritus

L29.9
Use if the patient presents with intractable itching.

Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of axilla and upper limb lymph nodes

C77.3
Use to specify lymph node involvement.

Differential Codes

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

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma

C84.4-
Peripheral T-cell lymphoma involves systemic lymph nodes, not limited to skin.

Primary cutaneous CD30+ T-cell lymphoma

C86.6
CD30+ lymphomas are confirmed by immunohistochemistry.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code C84.A0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment plans., Regulatory: Increases risk of coding audits., Financial: Potential underpayment due to incorrect coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure biopsy reports include CD30 status., Train staff on documentation requirements.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Increases risk of audit due to lack of specificity., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Document and code the specific site of lymphoma involvement.

Impact

Audits may target unspecified site codes when specific sites are documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation specifies the site of lymphoma involvement.

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 Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

CTCL with lymph node involvement

Specialty: Oncology

Required Elements

  • Biopsy results
  • Lymph node imaging
  • CD30 status

Example Documentation

Patient presents with CTCL involving axillary nodes. Biopsy confirms CD30+ large cell lymphoma.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has skin lymphoma.
Good Documentation Example
Stage IIB mycosis fungoides with axillary node involvement confirmed by biopsy.
Explanation
The good example specifies the stage and site, improving coding accuracy.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more