Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Lymphoma Cancer(C81.90, C85.90)

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

Also known as:

Lymphatic CancerMalignant Lymphoma

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Lymphoma Cancer

C81-C85Primary Range

Malignant neoplasms of lymphoid, hematopoietic and related tissue

This range includes all primary lymphoma diagnoses, covering both Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin types.

Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of lymph nodes

Used for coding secondary lymph node involvement in lymphoma cases.

Personal history of malignant neoplasm of lymphoid, hematopoietic and related tissue

Applicable for patients with a history of lymphoma in remission.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
C81.90Hodgkin lymphoma, unspecifiedUse when Hodgkin lymphoma is confirmed but not further specified.
  • Pathology report confirming Reed-Sternberg cells
  • Absence of specified subtype
C85.90Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, unspecifiedUse when Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is diagnosed without specific histologic classification.
  • Histology report lacking specific subtype
  • Absence of Reed-Sternberg cells

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 lymphoma cancer

Essential facts and insights about Lymphoma Cancer

The ICD-10 code for unspecified Hodgkin lymphoma is C81.90, and for unspecified Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, it is C85.90.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for lymphoma cancer

Hodgkin lymphoma, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of Reed-Sternberg cells without subtype specification.

Applicable To

  • Hodgkin's disease NOS

Excludes

  • Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (C85.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Pathology report confirming Reed-Sternberg cells
  • Absence of specified subtype

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of under-coding if subtype is known but not documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure pathology reports are reviewed for subtype specification.

Ancillary Codes

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

Personal history of Hodgkin lymphoma

Z85.72
Use for patients in remission to indicate history.

Secondary neoplasm of retroperitoneal/mesenteric nodes

C77.2
Use for metastatic involvement of these nodes.

Differential Codes

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

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, unspecified

C85.90
Absence of Reed-Sternberg cells and specific histologic subtype.

Hodgkin lymphoma, unspecified

C81.90
Presence of Reed-Sternberg cells.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Lymphoma Cancer to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code C81.90.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate representation of patient's current health status., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential loss of risk adjustment factors.

Mitigation Strategy

Regularly update patient records with remission status., Use standardized templates for follow-up visits.

Impact

Reimbursement: May affect DRG assignment and reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with specificity requirements., Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in health records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure specific subtype is documented and coded appropriately.

Impact

Failure to document specific lymphoma subtypes.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory review of pathology reports before coding.

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

Documentation Templates for Lymphoma Cancer

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

Initial Diagnosis of Lymphoma

Specialty: Oncology

Required Elements

  • Primary site
  • Histologic subtype
  • Stage
  • Biomarker status

Example Documentation

Patient presents with cervical lymphadenopathy. Biopsy confirms Hodgkin lymphoma, nodular sclerosis subtype, stage II. CD30 positive.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Lymphoma in neck.
Good Documentation Example
Hodgkin lymphoma, nodular sclerosis subtype, involving cervical lymph nodes, stage II.
Explanation
The good example specifies the subtype, location, and stage, which are necessary for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Lymphoma 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