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ICD-10 Coding for Liver Metastatic Disease(C78.7)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Liver Metastatic Disease. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Hepatic MetastasesSecondary Liver Cancer

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Liver Metastatic Disease

C78-C79Primary Range

Secondary malignant neoplasms

This range includes codes for secondary malignant neoplasms, including liver metastases.

Malignant neoplasms of liver and intrahepatic bile ducts

This range includes primary liver cancers, which must be differentiated from secondary liver metastases.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for liver metastatic disease

Essential facts and insights about Liver Metastatic Disease

The ICD-10 code for liver metastatic disease is C78.7, indicating secondary malignant neoplasm of the liver.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for liver metastatic disease

Secondary malignant neoplasm of liver and intrahepatic bile duct
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Biopsy confirms metastatic origin from another primary site.

documentation Criteria

  • Primary site is specified in the medical record.

Applicable To

  • Metastatic liver cancer

Excludes

  • Primary liver cancer (C22._)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging confirmation of liver lesions
  • Biopsy confirmation of metastatic origin
  • Documentation of primary cancer site

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as primary liver cancer
  • Omission of primary site code

Coding Notes

  • Ensure primary site is documented and coded first.

Ancillary Codes

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

Hepatomegaly

R16.1
Use when there is documented enlargement of the liver.

Differential Codes

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

Liver cell carcinoma

C22.0
Primary liver cancer confirmed by biopsy.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Liver Metastatic Disease to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code C78.7.

Impact

Clinical: Impacts treatment decisions and outcomes., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential underpayment due to incorrect DRG.

Mitigation Strategy

Always verify primary site before coding, Use coding queries if documentation is unclear

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to potential revenue loss., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate cancer registry data.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify and document the primary site of cancer before coding.

Impact

Failure to document and code the primary site can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory fields for primary site in EHR templates.

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 Liver Metastatic Disease, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Liver Metastatic Disease

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Liver Metastatic Disease. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Metastatic Colon Cancer to Liver

Specialty: Oncology

Required Elements

  • Primary cancer site
  • Metastatic sites
  • Imaging findings
  • Biopsy results

Example Documentation

Patient with colon adenocarcinoma, biopsy-confirmed liver metastases.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Liver cancer
Good Documentation Example
Colon adenocarcinoma with liver metastases, confirmed by biopsy.
Explanation
Specifies primary site and confirms metastatic nature.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Liver Metastatic Disease? Ask your questions below.

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