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ICD-10 Coding for Left Breast Mass(N63.11, R92.0)

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

Also known as:

Breast Lump LeftLeft Breast Lump

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left Breast Mass

N60-N64Primary Range

Disorders of breast

This range includes codes for benign and unspecified breast disorders, including masses.

Malignant neoplasm of breast

This range is used when a breast mass is confirmed to be malignant.

Abnormal and inconclusive findings on diagnostic imaging of breast

This range includes codes for abnormal imaging findings that may accompany a breast mass.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
N63.11Unspecified lump in the left breastUse when a lump is detected on physical exam without definitive imaging or pathology.
  • Physical exam noting a palpable mass
  • No imaging or pathology confirming malignancy
R92.0Mammographic microcalcification found on diagnostic imaging of breastUse when mammography shows microcalcifications requiring further investigation.
  • Mammogram showing microcalcifications
  • BI-RADS 4 or 5 assessment

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 left breast mass

Essential facts and insights about Left Breast Mass

The ICD-10 code for an unspecified lump in the left breast is N63.11. For confirmed malignancies, use the appropriate C50 code.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for left breast mass

Unspecified lump in the left breast
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of a palpable mass without imaging confirmation of malignancy

Applicable To

  • Palpable mass without confirmed pathology

Excludes

  • Malignant neoplasm of breast (C50.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Physical exam noting a palpable mass
  • No imaging or pathology confirming malignancy

Code-Specific Risks

  • Overuse without imaging correlation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the quadrant if known.

Ancillary Codes

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

Mammographic microcalcification found on diagnostic imaging of breast

R92.0
Use when mammography shows microcalcifications.

Unspecified lump in the left breast

N63.11
Pair with N63.11 if a lump is also present.

Differential Codes

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

Malignant neoplasm of unspecified site of left female breast

C50.912
Use C50.912 if biopsy confirms malignancy.

Inconclusive mammographic findings

R92.2
Use R92.2 if mammogram results are inconclusive and require further imaging.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Breast Mass to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N63.11.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate follow-up recommendations., Regulatory: Non-compliance with imaging documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure BI-RADS category is included in all mammography reports., Implement checklist for radiologists to verify inclusion.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential underpayment due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Query for quadrant specifics to use a more precise code like N63.21.

Impact

Incomplete documentation of imaging findings can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement standardized reporting templates that include all necessary elements.

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 Left Breast Mass, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Left Breast Mass

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

Radiology Report for Mammography

Specialty: Radiology

Required Elements

  • Laterality
  • Quadrant
  • Size
  • Shape
  • Margins
  • BI-RADS
  • Associated Findings

Example Documentation

Laterality: Left, Quadrant: Upper outer (9:00), Size: 1.8 cm, Shape: Irregular, Margins: Spiculated, BI-RADS: 4B, Associated Findings: Clustered microcalcifications (R92.0)

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Left breast mass noted.
Good Documentation Example
2.5 cm firm, mobile mass at 3:00 position, left breast, 4 cm from nipple, BI-RADS 4, irregular margins on ultrasound.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the mass, including location, size, and imaging findings, which are necessary for accurate coding.

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

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