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ICD-10 Coding for History of Basal Cell Carcinoma(Z85.828, Z85.82)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for History of Basal Cell Carcinoma. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Hx of Basal Cell CarcinomaPast Basal Cell Carcinomahistory of bccresolved basal cell carcinomapersonal history of basal cell carcinoma

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to History of Basal Cell Carcinoma

Z85.82-Z85.828Primary Range

Personal history of malignant neoplasm of skin

This range includes codes for documenting a personal history of skin cancer, specifically basal cell carcinoma.

Other malignant neoplasms of skin

Used for active cases of basal cell carcinoma, not history.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
Z85.828Personal history of other malignant neoplasm of skinUse when the patient has completed treatment for basal cell carcinoma and there is no evidence of disease.
  • Pathology report confirming excision with clear margins
  • Provider documentation stating 'no evidence of disease'
Z85.82Personal history of malignant neoplasm of skinUse when the history of skin cancer is documented but the specific site is not mentioned.
  • General documentation of past skin cancer without specific site

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: When to use Z85.828

Essential facts and insights about History of Basal Cell Carcinoma

Z85.828 is used for documenting a history of basal cell carcinoma when treatment is complete and there is no evidence of disease.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for history of basal cell carcinoma

Personal history of other malignant neoplasm of skin
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient has completed all treatment and shows no evidence of disease.

documentation Criteria

  • Provider notes must specify 'no evidence of disease' and treatment completion.

Applicable To

  • History of basal cell carcinoma of specific sites

Excludes

  • Active basal cell carcinoma (C44.XXX)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Pathology report confirming excision with clear margins
  • Provider documentation stating 'no evidence of disease'

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using this code for active cancer cases

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation clearly states the site and confirms no active disease.

Ancillary Codes

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

Encounter for follow-up examination after completed treatment

Z08
Use with Z85.828 to indicate follow-up care.

Differential Codes

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

Active basal cell carcinoma

C44.XXX
Use C44.XXX when the patient is still undergoing treatment or has active lesions.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting History of Basal Cell Carcinoma to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z85.828.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate follow-up care., Regulatory: Potential audit risk due to non-specific coding., Financial: Claims may be denied for lack of specificity.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes specific site details., Use templates to guide comprehensive documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Use C44.XXX for active basal cell carcinoma cases.

Impact

Audits may focus on the specificity of site documentation for history codes.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation includes specific site and treatment details.

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 History of Basal Cell Carcinoma, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for History of Basal Cell Carcinoma

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for History of Basal Cell Carcinoma. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Post-treatment follow-up

Specialty: Dermatology

Required Elements

  • Patient history of basal cell carcinoma
  • Details of treatment completion
  • Current status: no evidence of disease

Example Documentation

Patient has a history of basal cell carcinoma on the right cheek, excised with clear margins. No evidence of recurrence.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
History of skin cancer.
Good Documentation Example
History of basal cell carcinoma, right cheek, excised 01/2023, no recurrence.
Explanation
The good example provides specific site and treatment details, supporting accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for History of Basal Cell Carcinoma? Ask your questions below.

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