Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for History of Thyroid Cancer(Z85.850, C73)

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

Also known as:

Thyroid Cancer in RemissionPost-Thyroidectomy Statushx thyroid cancerpersonal history thyroid cancer

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to History of Thyroid Cancer

Z85.850Primary Range

Personal history of malignant neoplasm of thyroid

Used for patients with a history of thyroid cancer who have completed treatment and show no evidence of active disease.

Malignant neoplasm of thyroid gland

Used for active thyroid cancer cases, not for history.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
Z85.850Personal history of malignant neoplasm of thyroidAfter curative treatment with no current evidence of disease.
  • No evidence of disease post-treatment
  • Surveillance monitoring without active treatment
C73Malignant neoplasm of thyroid glandDuring active treatment or if recurrence is confirmed.
  • Active treatment ongoing
  • Evidence of recurrence

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 thyroid cancer

Essential facts and insights about History of Thyroid Cancer

The ICD-10 code for history of thyroid cancer is Z85.850, indicating completed treatment with no active disease.

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

Personal history of malignant neoplasm of thyroid
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • No evidence of active thyroid cancer post-treatment.

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit statement of 'no evidence of disease' in medical records.

Applicable To

  • History of thyroid cancer in remission

Excludes

  • Active thyroid cancer (C73)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • No evidence of disease post-treatment
  • Surveillance monitoring without active treatment

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using C73 for surveillance visits

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation states 'no evidence of disease' and includes surveillance details.

Ancillary Codes

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

Postprocedural hypothyroidism

E89.0
Use when managing hypothyroidism post-thyroidectomy.

Abnormal thyroid function studies

R94.6
Use if applicable during follow-up.

Differential Codes

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

Malignant neoplasm of thyroid gland

C73
Use C73 only if there is active treatment or recurrence.

Personal history of malignant neoplasm of thyroid

Z85.850
Use Z85.850 for patients in remission or under surveillance.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting History of Thyroid Cancer to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z85.850.

Impact

Clinical: Misrepresentation of patient's cancer status., Regulatory: Potential audit issues., Financial: Incorrect billing and reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Standardize documentation templates, Regular training on documentation requirements

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrectly using C73 may lead to inappropriate higher reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Switch to Z85.850 once treatment is completed and no active disease is present.

Impact

Using C73 for patients in remission.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular audits and coder education.

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

Documentation Templates for History of Thyroid Cancer

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

Routine Surveillance Post-Thyroidectomy

Specialty: Endocrinology

Required Elements

  • Patient history of thyroid cancer
  • No evidence of disease
  • Surveillance monitoring

Example Documentation

Patient status post total thyroidectomy for papillary carcinoma, no evidence of disease, under surveillance.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
History of thyroid cancer.
Good Documentation Example
Status post total thyroidectomy (2020) for follicular variant papillary carcinoma, margins negative, no lymphovascular invasion. Annual thyroglobulin <0.1 ng/mL (undetectable), neck ultrasound negative for recurrence.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the treatment, current status, and surveillance results.

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

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more