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ICD-10 Coding for Metastatic Adenocarcinoma(C79.51, C78.7)

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

Also known as:

Secondary AdenocarcinomaMetastatic Carcinoma

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Metastatic Adenocarcinoma

C77-C80Primary Range

Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of lymph nodes and other sites

This range includes codes for secondary malignant neoplasms, which are essential for coding metastatic adenocarcinoma.

Malignant neoplasm of breast

Primary site coding for breast adenocarcinoma, often involved in metastatic cases.

Malignant neoplasm of bronchus and lung

Primary site coding for lung adenocarcinoma, frequently involved in metastatic cases.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
C79.51Secondary malignant neoplasm of boneUse when bone is a secondary site of metastasis.
  • Imaging showing bone lesions
  • Biopsy confirming adenocarcinoma
C78.7Secondary malignant neoplasm of liver and intrahepatic bile ductUse when liver is a secondary site of metastasis.
  • Liver imaging showing metastatic lesions
  • Biopsy confirming adenocarcinoma

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 metastatic adenocarcinoma

Essential facts and insights about Metastatic Adenocarcinoma

The ICD-10 code for metastatic adenocarcinoma varies by secondary site, such as C79.51 for bone metastasis.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for metastatic adenocarcinoma

Secondary malignant neoplasm of bone
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed metastasis to bone via imaging or biopsy

Applicable To

  • Metastatic bone cancer

Excludes

  • Primary bone cancer

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging showing bone lesions
  • Biopsy confirming adenocarcinoma

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if primary site is not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure primary site is documented if known.

Ancillary Codes

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

Encounter for antineoplastic chemotherapy

Z51.11
Use when chemotherapy is administered.

Differential Codes

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

Malignant neoplasm of bone, unspecified

C41.9
Use C41.9 for primary bone cancers, not secondary.

Liver cell carcinoma

C22.0
Use C22.0 for primary liver cancers.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Metastatic Adenocarcinoma to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code C79.51.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify primary and secondary sites.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on cancer epidemiology.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation explicitly states 'unknown primary'.

Impact

High risk of audit if C80.1 is overused.

Mitigation Strategy

Document primary site or confirm unknown status.

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 Metastatic Adenocarcinoma, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Metastatic Adenocarcinoma

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

Metastatic adenocarcinoma with bone involvement

Specialty: Oncology

Required Elements

  • Primary site
  • Secondary site
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the breast (C50.912) to bone (C79.51). Receiving chemotherapy (Z51.11).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Metastatic cancer, starting chemo.
Good Documentation Example
Metastatic adenocarcinoma of sigmoid colon (C18.7) with peritoneal carcinomatosis (C78.6). Initiating FOLFOX (Z51.11).
Explanation
The good example specifies primary and secondary sites, treatment, and uses correct codes.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Metastatic Adenocarcinoma? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

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