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Otolaryngology Coding Alert

Diagnosis Coding:

5 Questions Dig Deeper IntoMalignant, Benign Neoplasm Dx

Published on Thu May 28, 2009

Discover the difference between 'uncertain' and 'undefined.' If the ICD-9 neoplasm table has your head spinning, then help is here. Ask these five questions to simplify how you approach these tough neoplasm coding conundrums. You'll understand all the relevant terminology necessary to understand and use the neoplasm table. Question 1: Is the Malignancy Primary? When the pathology comes back with a malignancy, you need to dig deeper. Under "malignant," the ICD-9 neoplasm table further breaks down the subcategories into three sections that includes primary. Definition: A primary malignancy is one arising from the cells found where the ENT biopsied the neoplasm, says Marcella Bucknam, CPC, CCS-P, CPC-H, CCS, CPC-P, COBGC, CCC, manager of compliance education for the University of Washington Physicians and Children's University Medical Group Compliance Program. Example: A biopsy shows that a male patient has a neoplasm of the tongue. It is malignant and comprises cancer cells from [...]
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