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ICD-10 Coding for Intracranial Mass(D33.0, C79.31)

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

Also known as:

Brain TumorCerebral NeoplasmIntracranial Neoplasm

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Intracranial Mass

D33-D43Primary Range

Benign and uncertain behavior neoplasms of the brain and central nervous system

This range includes codes for benign and uncertain behavior neoplasms, which are common in intracranial mass diagnoses.

Malignant neoplasms of the brain and other parts of the central nervous system

This range includes codes for malignant neoplasms, which are critical for coding primary and metastatic brain tumors.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
D33.0Benign neoplasm of brain, supratentorialUse when a benign supratentorial mass is confirmed by biopsy.
  • Biopsy confirming benign nature
  • MRI showing supratentorial location
C79.31Secondary malignant neoplasm of brainUse when a brain tumor is confirmed as metastatic from another primary site.
  • Pathology confirming secondary origin
  • Imaging showing metastatic lesions

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 benign intracranial mass

Essential facts and insights about Intracranial Mass

The ICD-10 code for a benign intracranial mass is D33.0, used for supratentorial tumors confirmed as benign.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for intracranial mass

Benign neoplasm of brain, supratentorial
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Biopsy confirms benign nature

documentation Criteria

  • MRI shows supratentorial location

Applicable To

  • Meningioma
  • Benign supratentorial tumor

Excludes

  • Malignant neoplasm of brain (C71.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Biopsy confirming benign nature
  • MRI showing supratentorial location

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as malignant without biopsy confirmation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies supratentorial location and benign nature.

Ancillary Codes

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

Intracranial space-occupying lesion found on diagnostic imaging of central nervous system

R90.0
Use when imaging identifies a mass without confirmed pathology.

Cerebral edema

G93.5
Use when cerebral edema is documented as complicating the tumor.

Differential Codes

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

Malignant neoplasm of brain, unspecified

C71.9
Use C71.9 for confirmed malignant tumors without specific location or histology.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Intracranial Mass to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code D33.0.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate tumor classification, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure molecular testing results are included in the report, Link molecular data to diagnosis

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect use can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use R90.0 only for undetermined masses pre-biopsy.

Impact

High audit risk for using unspecified codes without detailed documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation includes specific anatomical and pathological 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 Intracranial Mass, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Intracranial Mass

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

Neurosurgery H&P

Specialty: Neurosurgery

Required Elements

  • Location
  • Size
  • Enhancement
  • Edema
  • Molecular Data
  • Linkage

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Mass in brain, needs surgery
Good Documentation Example
4.2 cm left temporal lobe mass with ring enhancement and 8mm midline shift, associated with Wernicke's aphasia. Frozen section: Glioblastoma with pseudopalisading necrosis.
Explanation
The good example provides detailed anatomical and pathological information, supporting accurate coding.

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

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