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ICD-10 Coding for Elevated Carcinoembryonic Antigen(R97.0)

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

Also known as:

Elevated CEAAbnormal CEA levels

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Elevated Carcinoembryonic Antigen

R97-R97.9Primary Range

Abnormal tumor markers

This range includes codes for abnormal findings of tumor markers, including elevated carcinoembryonic antigen.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for elevated carcinoembryonic antigen

Essential facts and insights about Elevated Carcinoembryonic Antigen

The ICD-10 code for elevated carcinoembryonic antigen is R97.0, used for documenting abnormal CEA levels.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for elevated carcinoembryonic antigen

Elevated carcinoembryonic antigen [CEA]
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • CEA level above 5 ng/mL for non-smokers or 10 ng/mL for smokers

documentation Criteria

  • Documented clinical correlation with a known or suspected malignancy

Applicable To

  • Abnormal CEA levels

Excludes

  • Elevated tumor markers other than CEA (e.g., CA-125)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented CEA level above normal range
  • Clinical context indicating relevance (e.g., history of malignancy)

Code-Specific Risks

  • Using R97.0 as primary for active cancer without supporting documentation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure CEA levels and clinical context are documented to support coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Follow-up examination after treatment for malignant neoplasm

Z08
Use with R97.0 for post-treatment surveillance.

Differential Codes

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

Elevated cancer antigen 125 [CA 125]

R97.1
Use R97.1 for elevated CA-125 levels, not CEA.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Elevated Carcinoembryonic Antigen to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R97.0.

Impact

Clinical: Lack of specificity can lead to misinterpretation., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify the type of tumor marker., Include exact values and clinical context.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect sequencing can lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Sequence the malignancy code first, followed by R97.0.

Impact

Coding R97.0 without a documented history of neoplasm can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes history or suspicion of malignancy.

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 Elevated Carcinoembryonic Antigen, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Elevated Carcinoembryonic Antigen

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

Oncology follow-up visit

Specialty: Oncology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • CEA levels
  • Clinical correlation
  • Physician interpretation

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: 68M s/p colectomy for T3N1M0 colon cancer. No new symptoms. **Objective**: - CEA: 15.2 ng/mL (↑ from 8.7 ng/mL 3mo prior; ref: <5 ng/mL) - CT abdomen: New 1.2 cm hypodense liver lesion **Assessment**: Rising CEA with radiographic progression suggestive of metastatic recurrence. **Plan**: PET-CT for staging; oncology consult.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
CEA elevated.
Good Documentation Example
CEA 42.8 ng/mL (ref: <5 ng/mL) in patient with history of stage III colon cancer, rising trend from 12.3 ng/mL 3 months prior.
Explanation
The good example provides specific CEA values, reference ranges, and clinical context.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Elevated Carcinoembryonic Antigen? Ask your questions below.

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