ICD-10 Coding for Vulvar Cancer(C51.0, C51.9, D07.1)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Vulvar Cancer. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Vulvar Cancer
C51.0-C51.9Primary Range
Malignant neoplasms of the vulva
This range covers all malignant neoplasms of the vulva, including specific sites and unspecified locations.
Carcinoma in situ of the vulva
This code is used for carcinoma in situ, a precursor to invasive vulvar cancer.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| C51.0 | Malignant neoplasm of labium majus | Use when the malignancy is confirmed to be located on the labium majus. |
|
| C51.9 | Malignant neoplasm of vulva, unspecified | Use when the specific site of the vulvar cancer is not documented. |
|
| D07.1 | Carcinoma in situ of vulva | Use for non-invasive carcinoma confirmed by biopsy. |
|
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 vulvar cancer
Essential facts and insights about Vulvar Cancer
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for vulvar cancer
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Confirmed malignancy on labium majus
Applicable To
- Cancer of the labium majus
Excludes
- Benign neoplasm of labium majus
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Histological confirmation of malignancy
- Documentation of tumor location on labium majus
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if tumor location is not specified
Coding Notes
- Ensure precise documentation of tumor location to avoid coding errors.
C51.9 - Malignant neoplasm of vulva, unspecified
Use when the specific site of the vulvar cancer is not documented.
Applicable To
- Cancer of the vulva, NOS
Excludes
- Specific site neoplasms of the vulva
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Histological confirmation of vulvar cancer
- Lack of specific site documentation
Coding Notes
Avoid using this code if the specific site of the tumor is known.
D07.1 - Carcinoma in situ of vulva
Use for non-invasive carcinoma confirmed by biopsy.
Applicable To
- VIN III
Excludes
- Invasive vulvar cancer
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Histological confirmation of carcinoma in situ
- Documentation of non-invasive status
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation clearly states non-invasive status.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Personal history of malignant neoplasm of vulva
Z85.43Differential 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 Vulvar Cancer to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code C51.0.
Impact
Clinical: Impacts treatment decisions, Regulatory: Non-compliance with reporting standards, Financial: Potential for denied claims
Mitigation Strategy
Include margin status in operative report, Review pathology findings
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment, Compliance: Increases risk of audit, Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of cancer registry data
Mitigation Strategy
Document the specific site of the tumor to use the correct code.
Impact
High risk of audit if specific tumor site is not documented.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all documentation includes specific tumor site.
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 Vulvar Cancer, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Vulvar Cancer
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Vulvar Cancer. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Vulvar cancer with partial vulvectomy
Specialty: Gynecologic OncologyRequired Elements
- Tumor site and size
- Histologic type
- Margin status
- Lymphovascular invasion
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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