ICD-10 Coding for Metastasis to Lung(C78.00, C78.01, C78.02)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Metastasis to Lung. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Metastasis to Lung
C78.0-C78.09Primary Range
Secondary malignant neoplasm of lung
This range is used for coding secondary lung cancer, indicating metastasis from another primary site.
Malignant neoplasm of bronchus and lung
This range is used for primary lung cancer, not for metastasis.
Secondary malignant neoplasm of other sites
This range includes codes for metastasis to other sites, which may be used in conjunction with lung metastasis codes.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| C78.00 | Secondary malignant neoplasm of unspecified lung | Use when metastasis to the lung is confirmed, but the specific lung is not specified. |
|
| C78.01 | Secondary malignant neoplasm of right lung | Use when metastasis to the right lung is confirmed. |
|
| C78.02 | Secondary malignant neoplasm of left lung | Use when metastasis to the left lung is confirmed. |
|
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 metastasis to lung
Essential facts and insights about Metastasis to Lung
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for metastasis to lung
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Confirmed metastatic lesion in lung via imaging or biopsy
documentation Criteria
- Documentation must specify 'metastatic to lung' and primary site if known
Applicable To
- Metastatic cancer to lung, unspecified
Excludes
- Primary lung cancer (C34.x)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Imaging studies confirming lung lesions
- Histological confirmation of metastatic origin
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly coding primary lung cancer as secondary
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies 'metastatic to lung' to avoid confusion with primary lung cancer.
C78.01 - Secondary malignant neoplasm of right lung
Use when metastasis to the right lung is confirmed.
Applicable To
- Metastatic cancer to right lung
Excludes
- Primary right lung cancer (C34.91)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- CT or PET scan showing lesions in the right lung
- Biopsy confirming metastatic origin
Coding Notes
Ensure laterality is documented clearly to avoid errors.
C78.02 - Secondary malignant neoplasm of left lung
Use when metastasis to the left lung is confirmed.
Applicable To
- Metastatic cancer to left lung
Excludes
- Primary left lung cancer (C34.92)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- CT or PET scan showing lesions in the left lung
- Biopsy confirming metastatic origin
Coding Notes
Ensure laterality is documented clearly to avoid errors.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Personal history of other malignant neoplasm of bronchus and lung
Z85.118Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Metastasis to Lung to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code C78.00.
Impact
Clinical: Leads to incomplete patient records., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document the primary site if known., Use templates to ensure completeness.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Misclassification affects compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Impacts the accuracy of cancer registry data.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation specifies 'metastatic to lung' and identifies the primary site.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect laterality can affect DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Affects clinical data accuracy and patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Verify imaging and documentation for correct laterality before coding.
Impact
Incorrect coding of lung laterality can lead to audit flags.
Mitigation Strategy
Implement double-check systems for laterality in documentation.
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 Metastasis to Lung, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Metastasis to Lung
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Metastasis to Lung. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Breast cancer with lung metastasis
Specialty: OncologyRequired Elements
- Primary cancer site
- Metastatic site and laterality
- Histological type
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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