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ICD-10 Coding for Hepatoma(C22.0)

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

Also known as:

Hepatocellular CarcinomaLiver Cell Carcinoma

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Hepatoma

C22.0-C22.9Primary Range

Malignant neoplasms of liver and intrahepatic bile ducts

This range includes codes for primary liver cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma and other specified liver malignancies.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for hepatoma

Essential facts and insights about Hepatoma

The ICD-10 code for hepatoma is C22.0, used for liver cell carcinoma.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for hepatoma

Liver cell carcinoma
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of arterial phase hyperenhancement on imaging

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of 'hepatocellular carcinoma' or 'hepatoma'

Applicable To

  • Hepatoma
  • Hepatocellular carcinoma

Excludes

  • C22.1 (Intrahepatic bile duct carcinoma)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Histologic confirmation via biopsy
  • Imaging showing arterial phase hyperenhancement with washout
  • AFP levels >200 ng/mL

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misuse when documentation is insufficiently specific
  • Failure to document underlying liver disease

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'hepatocellular carcinoma' to avoid miscoding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Unspecified cirrhosis of liver

K74.60
Use when cirrhosis is documented alongside HCC.

Chronic viral hepatitis C

B18.2
Use if chronic hepatitis C is documented as an underlying condition.

Differential Codes

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

Malignant neoplasm of liver, not specified as primary or secondary

C22.9
Use C22.9 only if the type of liver cancer is not specified.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hepatoma to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code C22.0.

Impact

Clinical: Incomplete clinical picture affecting treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Reduced reimbursement due to incorrect DRG.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document cirrhosis or hepatitis if present.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential decrease in reimbursement due to incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies 'hepatocellular carcinoma' or 'hepatoma'.

Impact

High audit risk if HCC is coded without imaging or histologic confirmation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all HCC diagnoses are supported by appropriate clinical evidence.

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

Documentation Templates for Hepatoma

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

HCC with cirrhosis and hepatitis C

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
  • Underlying liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis)
  • Etiology (e.g., hepatitis C)

Example Documentation

Patient presents with hepatocellular carcinoma, confirmed by biopsy, in the context of cirrhosis due to chronic hepatitis C.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Liver mass, likely malignant.
Good Documentation Example
3 cm arterial-enhancing lesion with washout on multiphasic CT, AFP 450 ng/mL, consistent with HCC in cirrhotic liver.
Explanation
The good example provides specific imaging findings and AFP levels, confirming HCC.

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

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