ICD-10 Coding for Malignant Neoplasm of Sigmoid Colon(C18.7)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Malignant Neoplasm of Sigmoid Colon. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Malignant Neoplasm of Sigmoid Colon
C18-C20Primary Range
Malignant neoplasms of colon, rectosigmoid junction, and rectum
This range includes all malignant neoplasms of the colon, specifically focusing on the sigmoid colon for C18.7.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for sigmoid colon cancer
Essential facts and insights about Malignant Neoplasm of Sigmoid Colon
Primary ICD-10-CM Code for malignant neoplasm sigmoid colon
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Confirmed malignancy in the sigmoid colon
documentation Criteria
- Exact location and histology must be documented
Applicable To
- Cancer of sigmoid colon
- Carcinoma of sigmoid colon
Excludes
- Malignant neoplasm of rectosigmoid junction (C19)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Colonoscopy visualization of mass
- CT scan showing wall thickening
- Biopsy confirmation of adenocarcinoma
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification with rectosigmoid junction tumors
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies the exact location within the sigmoid colon.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Secondary malignant neoplasm of liver
C78.5Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Malignant Neoplasm of Sigmoid Colon to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code C18.7.
Impact
Clinical: Impacts treatment decisions, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential for denied claims
Mitigation Strategy
Use standardized templates, Educate staff on documentation requirements
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to lower reimbursement, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records
Mitigation Strategy
Use C18.7 when the cancer is confirmed in the sigmoid colon.
Impact
Risk of coding errors due to unspecified tumor location
Mitigation Strategy
Implement detailed documentation protocols
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 Malignant Neoplasm of Sigmoid Colon, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Malignant Neoplasm of Sigmoid Colon
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Malignant Neoplasm of Sigmoid Colon. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Sigmoid Colectomy for Malignant Neoplasm
Specialty: Surgical OncologyRequired Elements
- Tumor location
- Morphology
- Lymph node status
- Metastatic disease
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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