ICD-10 Coding for Unspecified Neoplasm of Thyroid(C73, D34, D44.0, D49.7)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Unspecified Neoplasm of Thyroid. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Unspecified Neoplasm of Thyroid
D44.0Primary Range
Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of thyroid gland
Used when the behavior of the neoplasm is uncertain.
Neoplasm of unspecified behavior of endocrine glands
Used when the behavior of the neoplasm is not specified.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| C73 | Malignant neoplasm of thyroid gland | Use when pathology confirms malignancy. |
|
| D34 | Benign neoplasm of thyroid gland | Use when pathology confirms benign nature. |
|
| D44.0 | Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of thyroid gland | Use when behavior is uncertain and further histology is pending. |
|
| D49.7 | Neoplasm of unspecified behavior of endocrine glands | Use when behavior is not specified in documentation. |
|
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 unspecified thyroid neoplasm
Essential facts and insights about Unspecified Neoplasm of Thyroid
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for unspecific neoplasm of thyroid
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Confirmed malignancy by histology.
Applicable To
- Thyroid carcinoma
Excludes
- Benign neoplasm of thyroid (D34)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Pathology confirming carcinoma
- Invasion beyond capsule
- Metastatic spread
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly coding benign as malignant.
Coding Notes
- Ensure malignancy is confirmed by histology.
D34 - Benign neoplasm of thyroid gland
Use when pathology confirms benign nature.
Applicable To
- Thyroid adenoma
Excludes
- Malignant neoplasm of thyroid (C73)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Encapsulated lesion
- No invasion
- Follicular adenoma on histology
Coding Notes
Ensure benign nature is confirmed by histology.
D44.0 - Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of thyroid gland
Use when behavior is uncertain and further histology is pending.
Applicable To
- Follicular tumor of uncertain malignant potential
Excludes
- Benign neoplasm of thyroid (D34)
- Malignant neoplasm of thyroid (C73)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Borderline histology
- Uncertain malignant potential
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies 'uncertain behavior'.
D49.7 - Neoplasm of unspecified behavior of endocrine glands
Use when behavior is not specified in documentation.
Applicable To
- Thyroid neoplasm, unspecified behavior
Excludes
- Benign neoplasm of thyroid (D34)
- Malignant neoplasm of thyroid (C73)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Lack of specific histological confirmation
Coding Notes
Query provider if behavior can be specified.
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 Unspecified Neoplasm of Thyroid to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code C73.
Impact
Clinical: Leads to potential misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Incorrect billing and potential claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure histology reports are reviewed before documentation., Use specific ICD-10 codes based on confirmed diagnosis.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect reimbursement due to wrong DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Use D34 or C73 if confirmed neoplasm.
Impact
Risk of using unspecified codes when specific behavior is documented.
Mitigation Strategy
Implement regular audits of documentation and coding practices.
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 Unspecified Neoplasm of Thyroid, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Unspecified Neoplasm of Thyroid
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Unspecified Neoplasm of Thyroid. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Thyroid Neoplasm with Uncertain Behavior
Specialty: EndocrinologyRequired Elements
- Specimen type
- Tumor size
- Capsular integrity
- Margins
- Histology
- Invasion
- Molecular testing
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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