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ICD-10 Coding for History of Colorectal Cancer(Z85.038, Z86.010)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for History of Colorectal Cancer. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

History of Colon CancerHistory of Rectal Cancer

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to History of Colorectal Cancer

Z85.03-Z85.038Primary Range

Personal history of malignant neoplasm of digestive organs

This range includes codes for personal history of malignant neoplasm of the colon, which is essential for documenting patients with a history of colorectal cancer.

Personal history of colonic polyps

This code is relevant for patients with a history of colonic polyps, which may be associated with colorectal cancer.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
Z85.038Personal history of malignant neoplasm of colonUse when the patient has completed treatment for colon cancer and there is no evidence of active disease.
  • No evidence of active disease
  • Completion of cancer-directed therapy
  • Surveillance colonoscopy results
Z86.010Personal history of colonic polypsUse for patients with a documented history of adenomatous colonic polyps.
  • Pathology report confirming adenomatous polyps

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 history of colorectal cancer

Essential facts and insights about History of Colorectal Cancer

The ICD-10 code for history of colorectal cancer is Z85.038, indicating completed treatment and no active disease.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for history of colorectal cancer

Personal history of malignant neoplasm of colon
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient has completed all cancer-directed therapy and is in remission.

documentation Criteria

  • Surveillance plan and no evidence of disease must be documented.

Applicable To

  • History of colon cancer
  • History of rectal cancer

Excludes

  • Current malignant neoplasm of colon (C18.-)
  • Current malignant neoplasm of rectum (C20)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • No evidence of active disease
  • Completion of cancer-directed therapy
  • Surveillance colonoscopy results

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding active cancer as history
  • Missing documentation of treatment completion

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation clearly states the cancer is in remission and no active treatment is ongoing.

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 Z08 for follow-up visits post-cancer treatment.

Differential Codes

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

Malignant neoplasm of colon, unspecified

C18.9
Use C18.9 for active colon cancer cases.

Polyp of colon

K63.5
Use K63.5 for current colonic polyps.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting History of Colorectal Cancer to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z85.038.

Impact

Clinical: Misrepresentation of patient status, Regulatory: Potential audit issues, Financial: Incorrect billing and potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Regularly review patient treatment status, Update records promptly after treatment completion

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Verify if the cancer is truly in remission and all treatments are completed.

Impact

Risk of coding history of cancer when the disease is still active.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement regular training on cancer coding guidelines.

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

Documentation Templates for History of Colorectal Cancer

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

Post-treatment follow-up for colorectal cancer

Specialty: Oncology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Treatment completion date
  • Surveillance plan
  • Current status

Example Documentation

Patient is a 65-year-old male with a history of Stage II colon cancer, status post resection in 2020. Currently, no evidence of disease. Surveillance colonoscopy scheduled for 2025.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Hx colon cancer.
Good Documentation Example
History of Stage II colon cancer, resected in 2020, no evidence of disease, surveillance colonoscopy planned.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the cancer history, treatment, and current status.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for History of Colorectal Cancer? Ask your questions below.

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