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General Surgery Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Axillary Lump Diagnosis

Published on Sat Dec 01, 2001

Question: I cannot find a diagnosis code that accurately reports an axillary lump. Should 611.72 be used to report axillary lumps as well? Am I looking in the wrong place for the code I need?

Missouri Subscriber

Answer: The ICD-9 manual includes generic code 782.2 (localized superficial swelling, mass, or lump; subcutaneous nodules), which should be reported for a lump that occurs anywhere in the body other than in the breast. Code 611.72 (lump or mass in breast) is specific to the breast and should not be used, even though axillary and breast procedures are often associated and performed during the same session.

You Be the Coder and Reader Questions were answered by Marcella Bucknam, CPC, a coding educator at Clarkson College in Omaha, Neb.; Susan Callaway, CPC, CCS-P, a coding and reimbursement specialist and educator in North Augusta, S.C.; M. Trayser Dunaway, MD, FACS, a general surgeon in private practice in Camden, S.C.; Elaine Elliott, CPC, a coding and reimbursement specialist in Jensen Beach, Fla.; Arlene Morrow, CPC, a coding and compliance specialist in Tampa, Fla.; and Kathleen Mueller, RN, CPC, CCS-P, a general surgery coding and reimbursement specialist in Lenzburg, Ill.

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