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ICD-10 Coding for Lymphadenopathy Neck(R59.0, C77.0)

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

Also known as:

Cervical LymphadenopathySwollen Neck Lymph Nodes

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Lymphadenopathy Neck

R59Primary Range

Enlarged lymph nodes

This range includes codes for lymphadenopathy, specifying localized, generalized, or unspecified.

Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of lymph nodes

This range is used for coding metastatic involvement of lymph nodes.

Acute lymphadenitis

This range is used for coding acute inflammation of lymph nodes.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
R59.0Localized enlarged lymph nodesUse when lymphadenopathy is localized to the cervical region and no systemic cause is identified.
  • Physical exam showing palpable nodes in cervical chain(s)
  • Imaging confirming localized lymph node enlargement
C77.0Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of lymph nodes of head, face, and neckUse when biopsy confirms metastatic involvement of cervical lymph nodes.
  • Biopsy confirming metastatic malignancy in cervical lymph nodes

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 cervical lymphadenopathy

Essential facts and insights about Lymphadenopathy Neck

The ICD-10 code for localized cervical lymphadenopathy is R59.0. Use C77.0 if there is biopsy-confirmed metastatic involvement.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for lymphadenopathy neck

Localized enlarged lymph nodes
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Localized lymph node enlargement in the cervical region without systemic involvement.

Applicable To

  • Localized cervical lymphadenopathy

Excludes

  • Generalized lymphadenopathy (R59.1)
  • Unspecified lymphadenopathy (R59.9)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Physical exam showing palpable nodes in cervical chain(s)
  • Imaging confirming localized lymph node enlargement

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using this code when generalized lymphadenopathy is present.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the cervical region and excludes systemic causes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Other specified viral infections characterized by skin and mucous membrane lesions

B08.8
Use when lymphadenopathy is due to a viral infection.

Differential Codes

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

Acute lymphadenitis of head, face, and neck

L04.0
Presence of erythema, warmth, and fever indicating infection.

Localized enlarged lymph nodes

R59.0
Use R59.0 if no malignancy is confirmed.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Lymphadenopathy Neck to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R59.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use standardized templates for documentation, Ensure thorough physical examination notes

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines for specificity., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Specify R59.0 with appropriate localization details.

Impact

Risk of audits due to use of unspecified codes when specific codes are applicable.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of node characteristics and localization.

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 Lymphadenopathy Neck, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Lymphadenopathy Neck

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

Evaluation of cervical lymphadenopathy

Specialty: Otolaryngology

Required Elements

  • Duration of lymphadenopathy
  • Node size and consistency
  • Associated symptoms (e.g., fever, weight loss)
  • Imaging and biopsy results

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a 3-week history of a 2 cm firm, non-tender left cervical node. No fever or night sweats. Ultrasound shows loss of fatty hilum. Biopsy pending.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Swollen neck nodes.
Good Documentation Example
2 cm firm, non-tender left cervical node, mobile, no overlying erythema.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the node's size, consistency, and associated findings.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Lymphadenopathy Neck? Ask your questions below.

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