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ICD-10 Coding for Pancreatic Tumor(C25.0, C25.1, D13.6)

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

Also known as:

Pancreatic NeoplasmPancreatic Cancer

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Pancreatic Tumor

C25.0-C25.9Primary Range

Malignant neoplasms of the pancreas

This range covers all malignant tumors of the pancreas, categorized by specific location.

Benign neoplasms of the pancreas

This range includes benign tumors of the pancreas, important for distinguishing from malignant cases.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
C25.0Malignant neoplasm of head of pancreasUse when imaging and biopsy confirm a malignant tumor in the head of the pancreas.
  • CT/MRI showing hypoenhancing mass in head
  • Biopsy: Invasive adenocarcinoma
  • CA19-9 > 37 U/mL
C25.1Malignant neoplasm of body of pancreasUse when a malignant tumor is confirmed in the body of the pancreas.
  • Mass in pancreatic body confirmed by imaging
  • Biopsy: Adenocarcinoma
D13.6Benign neoplasm of pancreasUse when imaging and pathology confirm a benign pancreatic tumor.
  • MRI shows benign characteristics
  • Pathology confirms benign nature

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 pancreatic cancer

Essential facts and insights about Pancreatic Tumor

The ICD-10 code for pancreatic cancer depends on the tumor's location: C25.0 for the head, C25.1 for the body, and C25.2 for the tail.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for pancreatic tumor

Malignant neoplasm of head of pancreas
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Biopsy confirms malignant adenocarcinoma in pancreatic head.

Applicable To

  • Cancer of the head of the pancreas

Excludes

  • Benign neoplasm of pancreas (D13.6)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • CT/MRI showing hypoenhancing mass in head
  • Biopsy: Invasive adenocarcinoma
  • CA19-9 > 37 U/mL

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as C25.9 without specifying location

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'head' to avoid unspecified coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Encounter for chemotherapy

Z51.11
Use when patient is receiving chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer.

Differential Codes

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

Benign neoplasm of pancreas

D13.6
Use when pathology confirms benign nature.

Malignant neoplasm of head of pancreas

C25.0
Use when malignancy is confirmed.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Pancreatic Tumor to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code C25.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific terms like 'adenocarcinoma of pancreatic head'.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: May result in non-compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Affects the accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Specify and code the exact location, such as C25.0 for head.

Impact

Using unspecified codes when specific location is documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports specific code selection.

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 Pancreatic Tumor, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Pancreatic Tumor

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

Surgical Resection of Pancreatic Tumor

Specialty: Surgery

Required Elements

  • Preoperative diagnosis
  • Operative findings
  • Specimens sent

Example Documentation

Preoperative Diagnosis: Obstructive jaundice due to pancreatic head mass (C25.0).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Pancreatic mass removed.
Good Documentation Example
3.5 cm firm mass in pancreatic head adherent to SMV; no liver metastases.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the tumor and surgical findings.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Pancreatic Tumor? Ask your questions below.

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