ICD-10 Coding for Sigmoid Colon Cancer(C18.7)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Sigmoid Colon Cancer. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Sigmoid Colon Cancer
C18-C20Primary Range
Malignant neoplasms of colon, rectum, and anus
This range includes all malignant neoplasms of the colon, rectum, and anus, with C18.7 specifically for the sigmoid colon.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for sigmoid colon cancer
Essential facts and insights about Sigmoid Colon Cancer
Primary ICD-10-CM Code for sigmoid colon cancer
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Biopsy confirms adenocarcinoma in sigmoid colon.
coding Criteria
- Avoid using C18.9 for unspecified sites.
Applicable To
- Adenocarcinoma of sigmoid colon
- Neuroendocrine tumor of sigmoid colon
- Lymphoma of sigmoid colon
Excludes
- C19 (Malignant neoplasm of rectosigmoid junction)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Biopsy confirming adenocarcinoma
- CT scan showing tumor in sigmoid colon
- Colonoscopy findings
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification with C18.9 (unspecified colon)
- Confusion with C19 (rectosigmoid junction)
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies 'sigmoid colon' to avoid unspecified coding.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Personal history of malignant neoplasm of sigmoid colon
Z85.038Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Sigmoid Colon Cancer to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code C18.7.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Educate clinicians on documentation requirements, Implement checklist for operative reports
Impact
Reimbursement: Potential underpayment due to unspecified coding., Compliance: Non-compliance with specificity requirements., Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in cancer registry data.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation specifies 'sigmoid colon' to use C18.7.
Impact
Audits may target unspecified colon cancer codes.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all reports specify 'sigmoid colon' when applicable.
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 Sigmoid Colon Cancer, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Sigmoid Colon Cancer
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Sigmoid Colon Cancer. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Pathology report for sigmoid colon cancer
Specialty: PathologyRequired Elements
- Tumor location
- Histology type
- Margins
- Lymph node involvement
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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