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ICD-10 Coding for Diagnostic Mammogram(C50.911, R92.2)

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

Also known as:

Breast Diagnostic ImagingMammography Diagnostic

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Diagnostic Mammogram

C50-C50.929Primary Range

Malignant neoplasm of breast

Used for confirmed cases of breast cancer identified through diagnostic mammography.

Abnormal and inconclusive findings on diagnostic imaging of breast

Used for abnormal findings on diagnostic mammograms that require further investigation.

Personal history of malignant neoplasm of breast

Used for patients with a history of breast cancer undergoing diagnostic mammography.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
C50.911Malignant neoplasm of unspecified site of right female breastUse when a biopsy confirms breast cancer in the right breast.
  • Pathology report confirming malignancy
  • Imaging findings consistent with cancer
R92.2Inconclusive mammogramUse when mammogram results are inconclusive and further testing is needed.
  • Radiology report indicating inconclusive results
  • Recommendation for additional imaging or biopsy

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 diagnostic mammogram

Essential facts and insights about Diagnostic Mammogram

The ICD-10 code for a diagnostic mammogram varies based on findings, such as C50.911 for confirmed cancer.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for mammogram diagnostic

Malignant neoplasm of unspecified site of right female breast
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Biopsy confirms invasive ductal carcinoma

Applicable To

  • Breast cancer confirmed by biopsy

Excludes

  • Benign neoplasm of breast (D24.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Pathology report confirming malignancy
  • Imaging findings consistent with cancer

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if malignancy is not confirmed

Coding Notes

  • Ensure biopsy confirmation before using this code.

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 microcalcifications are identified and require further evaluation.

Personal history of malignant neoplasm of breast

Z85.3
Use to indicate a history of breast cancer in the patient's record.

Differential Codes

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

Lobular carcinoma in situ of breast

D05.1
Use D05.1 for in situ carcinoma without invasive components.

Other abnormal and inconclusive findings on diagnostic imaging of breast

R92.8
Use R92.8 for specific abnormal findings not classified elsewhere.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Diagnostic Mammogram to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code C50.911.

Impact

Clinical: Ambiguity in patient care, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify left or right breast in documentation, Use templates that prompt for laterality

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect reimbursement rates, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure diagnostic codes are used when symptoms or findings warrant further investigation.

Impact

Missing key elements such as laterality or BI-RADS category can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Use comprehensive templates and checklists.

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 Diagnostic Mammogram, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Diagnostic Mammogram

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

Diagnostic Mammogram for Abnormal Findings

Specialty: Radiology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Clinical findings
  • Imaging technique
  • Results
  • BI-RADS category
  • Recommendations

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient had a mammogram.
Good Documentation Example
Patient presents with a palpable mass in the left breast. Diagnostic mammogram performed with CC and MLO views. Findings: 12mm spiculated mass at 2 o'clock. BI-RADS 4. Recommend biopsy.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical details, imaging findings, and recommendations, which are essential for accurate coding and billing.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Diagnostic Mammogram? Ask your questions below.

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