ICD-10 Coding for Panniculitis(M79.38, M79.36)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Panniculitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Panniculitis
M79.3Primary Range
Panniculitis, unspecified
Primary range for coding panniculitis conditions, including mesenteric panniculitis.
Weber-Christian disease
Used for panniculitis with systemic involvement and recurrent febrile nodules.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| M79.38 | Panniculitis, unspecified, other site | Use for panniculitis located in the mesentery or other specified sites. |
|
| M79.36 | Panniculitis, lower leg | Use for panniculitis located in the lower leg. |
|
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 mesenteric panniculitis
Essential facts and insights about Panniculitis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for panniculitis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- CT showing 'misty mesentery' and biopsy confirmation
coding Criteria
- Avoid using K66.8 for mesenteric panniculitis
Applicable To
- Mesenteric panniculitis
Clinical Validation Requirements
- CT showing 'misty mesentery'
- Biopsy confirmation of lobular lymphocytic infiltrate
Code-Specific Risks
- Confusion with digestive system codes like K66.8
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies adipose tissue involvement rather than peritoneal inflammation alone.
M79.36 - Panniculitis, lower leg
Use for panniculitis located in the lower leg.
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Clinical examination confirming nodules in the lower leg
Coding Notes
Ensure anatomical location is specified in the documentation.
Differential 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 Panniculitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M79.38.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure imaging is performed and documented., Cross-check with clinical findings.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to improper DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data representation in medical records.
Mitigation Strategy
Code M79.38 regardless of GI symptom presence if adipose inflammation is confirmed.
Impact
Using K66.8 instead of M79.38 for mesenteric panniculitis.
Mitigation Strategy
Educate coders on the specific criteria for M79.38.
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 Panniculitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Panniculitis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Panniculitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Mesenteric panniculitis diagnosis
Specialty: GastroenterologyRequired Elements
- CT findings
- Biopsy results
- Symptoms
- Treatment response
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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