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ICD-10 Coding for Subcutaneous Mass of the Abdomen(D48.113, R19.03)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Subcutaneous Mass of the Abdomen. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Abdominal Wall MassAbdominal Lump

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Subcutaneous Mass of the Abdomen

D48.1-D48.9Primary Range

Neoplasms of uncertain behavior

Covers desmoid tumors and other neoplasms of uncertain behavior in the abdomen.

Other symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen

Used for unspecified abdominal masses when specific diagnosis is not confirmed.

Malignant neoplasm of connective and soft tissue

Used when a malignant soft tissue neoplasm is confirmed in the abdomen.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
D48.113Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of connective and other soft tissue of abdominal wallUse when a desmoid tumor is confirmed by histology in the abdominal wall.
  • Pathology report confirming desmoid tumor
  • MRI showing infiltrative margins
R19.03Right lower quadrant abdominal massUse for initial encounters when the mass is not yet diagnosed.
  • Physical examination noting palpable mass
  • Initial imaging without definitive diagnosis

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 subcutaneous mass abdomen

Essential facts and insights about Subcutaneous Mass of the Abdomen

The ICD-10 code for a subcutaneous mass in the abdomen is R19.03 for unspecified masses and D48.113 for confirmed desmoid tumors.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for subcutaneous mass abdomen

Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of connective and other soft tissue of abdominal wall
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Histological confirmation of desmoid tumor

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed operative note describing mass characteristics

Applicable To

  • Desmoid tumor of abdominal wall

Excludes

  • Malignant neoplasm of connective tissue (C49.4)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Pathology report confirming desmoid tumor
  • MRI showing infiltrative margins

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if histology is not confirmed.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure histological confirmation before using this code.

Ancillary Codes

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

Endometriosis of abdominal wall

N80.5
Use when endometriosis is confirmed as the cause of the mass.

Differential Codes

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

Malignant neoplasm of connective and soft tissue of abdomen

C49.4
Confirmed malignancy through biopsy.

Right lower quadrant abdominal mass

R19.03
Used when mass is not yet diagnosed as neoplastic.

Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of abdominal wall

D48.113
Confirmed neoplasm through histology.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Subcutaneous Mass of the Abdomen to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code D48.113.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Use detailed templates for operative notes, Ensure histological confirmation is documented

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment and reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Affects accuracy of medical records.

Mitigation Strategy

Switch to D48.113 once histology confirms a neoplasm.

Impact

Using unspecified codes when specific diagnosis is available.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure histological confirmation and update codes accordingly.

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 Subcutaneous Mass of the Abdomen, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Subcutaneous Mass of the Abdomen

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Subcutaneous Mass of the Abdomen. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Desmoid tumor excision

Specialty: Surgery

Required Elements

  • Preoperative diagnosis
  • Postoperative findings
  • Procedure details
  • Specimen sent

Example Documentation

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: 5 cm abdominal wall mass. POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: Desmoid tumor confirmed. PROCEDURE: Excision of abdominal wall mass.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Abdominal mass excised.
Good Documentation Example
5 cm firm mass excised from right lower quadrant, deep to rectus fascia.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about size, location, and depth, which are crucial for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Subcutaneous Mass of the Abdomen? Ask your questions below.

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