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ICD-10 Coding for DCIS(D05.1, D05.7)

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

Also known as:

Ductal Carcinoma In SituIntraductal Carcinoma

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to DCIS

D05-D05.9Primary Range

Carcinoma in situ of breast

This range includes all codes related to carcinoma in situ of the breast, specifically DCIS.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
D05.1Intraductal carcinoma in situ of breastUse for confirmed cases of DCIS with specified laterality.
  • Histopathological confirmation of DCIS
  • Mammography showing microcalcifications
D05.7Other specified intraductal carcinoma in situUse for DCIS cases with specific subtypes not classified under D05.1.
  • Pathology report indicating multifocal DCIS

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 DCIS

Essential facts and insights about DCIS

The ICD-10 code for Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) is D05.1 for specified laterality and D05.9 for unspecified cases.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for dcis

Intraductal carcinoma in situ of breast
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Histological confirmation of DCIS

documentation Criteria

  • Clear documentation of DCIS subtype and laterality

Applicable To

  • Comedo-type DCIS
  • Cribriform-type DCIS

Excludes

  • Invasive ductal carcinoma (C50.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Histopathological confirmation of DCIS
  • Mammography showing microcalcifications

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of miscoding as invasive carcinoma
  • Incorrect use without histological confirmation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is specified to avoid unspecified coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Personal history of malignant neoplasm of breast

Z85.3
Use post-treatment for surveillance.

Encounter for screening mammogram

Z12.31
Use for surveillance mammograms.

Differential Codes

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

Malignant neoplasm of breast, unspecified

C50.9
C50.9 is used for invasive breast cancer, not in situ.

Intraductal carcinoma in situ, unspecified

D05.9
Use D05.9 only when laterality and subtype are not specified.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting DCIS to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code D05.1.

Impact

Clinical: Potential mismanagement of patient care., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Loss of reimbursement due to unspecified coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory fields for laterality in EHR systems.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential overbilling if coded as invasive cancer., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate cancer registry data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure histological confirmation of in situ status before coding.

Impact

Use of unspecified codes when specific codes are applicable.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports the most specific code available.

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

Documentation Templates for DCIS

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

Pathology report for DCIS

Specialty: Pathology

Required Elements

  • Laterality
  • Histologic subtype
  • Nuclear grade
  • Necrosis presence
  • Margin status
  • Receptor status

Example Documentation

Ductal carcinoma in situ, comedo type, nuclear grade III, with necrosis. Margins clear (>2mm). ER+/PR-, HER2-.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Breast lesion identified, likely DCIS.
Good Documentation Example
High-grade comedo-type DCIS, nuclear grade III, 2.3 cm, clear margins.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details necessary for accurate coding.

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

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