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ICD-10 Coding for Thyroid Cancer(C73)

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

Also known as:

Thyroid CarcinomaMalignant Neoplasm of Thyroid

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Thyroid Cancer

C73Primary Range

Malignant neoplasm of thyroid gland

This range includes all malignant neoplasms of the thyroid, which is the primary focus for thyroid cancer coding.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for thyroid cancer

Essential facts and insights about Thyroid Cancer

The ICD-10 code for thyroid cancer is C73, which is used for malignant neoplasms of the thyroid gland.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for thyroid cancer

Malignant neoplasm of thyroid gland
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed diagnosis of thyroid cancer via biopsy or imaging.

documentation Criteria

  • Include histological type and tumor size in documentation.

Applicable To

  • Thyroid carcinoma
  • Thyroid cancer

Excludes

  • Benign neoplasm of thyroid gland (D34)
  • Secondary malignant neoplasm of thyroid (C79.89)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Histological confirmation of thyroid carcinoma
  • Imaging studies showing thyroid mass
  • Biopsy results confirming malignancy

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification of benign thyroid nodules as malignant
  • Omitting histological type in documentation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure histological type is documented for accurate coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Personal history of malignant neoplasm of other sites

Z85.89
Use for patients with a history of thyroid cancer who are no longer receiving active treatment.

Encounter for follow-up examination after completed treatment for malignant neoplasm

Z08
Use for follow-up visits after treatment completion.

Differential Codes

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

Nontoxic single thyroid nodule

E04.1
Use for benign thyroid nodules; differentiate based on biopsy results.

Thyrotoxicosis with diffuse goiter without thyrotoxic crisis or storm

E05.10
Use for hyperthyroid conditions; differentiate based on clinical symptoms and thyroid function tests.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Thyroid Cancer to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code C73.

Impact

Clinical: Impacts treatment decisions and prognosis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials due to lack of specificity.

Mitigation Strategy

Standardize documentation templates to include histological type., Educate clinicians on the importance of detailed pathology reports.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify malignancy through biopsy before coding as C73.

Impact

Failure to document histological type can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory fields in EHR for histological type.

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 Thyroid Cancer, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Thyroid Cancer

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

Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis

Specialty: Endocrinology

Required Elements

  • Histological type
  • Tumor size
  • Presence of metastasis
  • Biomarker status

Example Documentation

Patient diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma, 2.5 cm, confined to right lobe, BRAF V600E mutation positive.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Thyroid cancer, unspecified.
Good Documentation Example
Papillary thyroid carcinoma, 2.5 cm, right lobe, BRAF V600E mutation positive.
Explanation
The good example provides specific histological type and genetic mutation, aiding in precise coding and treatment planning.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Thyroid Cancer? Ask your questions below.

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