Advanced Search

Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

189.3 Isn't Only Urethra Tumor Possibility

Published on Tue Oct 11, 2011

Question: Which ICD-9 code should I use when the doctor documents "tumor of the urothelium of the prostatic urethra"? Florida Subscriber Answer: If the tumor is malignant you should use 189.3 (Malignant neoplasm of kidney and other and unspecified urinary organs; urethra). However, if it's benign, use 223.81 (Benign neoplasm of urethra) instead. Alternative: For a polyp of the urethra, use 600.20 (Benign localized hyperplasia of prostate without urinary obstruction and other lower urinary tract symptoms [LUTS]) or 600.21 (... with urinary obstruction and other lower urinary tract symptoms [LUTS]). If you don't know the pathology of the tumor and are billing before the oncologist has interpreted the pathology report, you should use 239.5 (Neoplasms of unspecified nature; other genitourinary organs) to indicate the pending pathology.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

View All