Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

Are you prepared? ICD-10-CM may not offer a one-to-one match.

From Oct 2014, you will need to look for many more options when reporting Merkel cell carcinoma. ICD-10-CM 2014 brings new codes meaning that you need a keen eye to spot precise anatomic locations of the lesions. Test your knowledge for Merkel cell carcinoma by taking this quiz. Then turn to page 29 for the answers.

Question 1: Which of the following ICD-10-CM codes do you report for Merkel cell carcinoma of the nose?

A. C4A.10

B. C4A.11

C. C4A.21

D. C4A.31

Question 2: Spot the wrong statement for ICD-10-CM options for Merkel cell carcinoma coding from the following:

A. You report code C4A.39 for Merkel cell carcinoma of scalp

B. You report code C4A.4 for Merkel cell carcinoma of scalp 

C. ICD-10-CM offers a single code for Merkel cell carcinoma of the scalp and neck

D. ICD-10-CM offers a one-to-match with ICD-9-CM for Merkel cell carcinoma of scalp and neck

Question 3: Which of the following is the most appropriate option for Merkel cell carcinoma of the right hip?

A. C4A.61 

B. C4A.70 

C. C4A.71 

D. C4A.72 

Question 4: How do you report the Merkel cell carcinoma of skin of breast in ICD-10-CM?

A. C4A.51 

B. C4A.52 

C. C4A.59 

D. No specific code

Question 5: Decide whether the following statement for Merkel cell carcinoma is true or false.

‘Unlike ICD-9-CM, ICD-10-CM offers options for reporting Merkel cell carcinoma of overlapping sites.’

A. True

B. False.