Advanced Search

Radiology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

174.x Is Just the Start for This Case

Published on Thu Sep 06, 2012

Question: How should we code malignant breast cancer with metastasis to liver and bone?Tennessee SubscriberAnswer: Report the breast cancer first using a primary malignant neoplasm code. You also should report secondary neoplasm codes for liver and bone findings.Breast: The report should identify the location of the tumor to allow you to use the most specific diagnosis code for that site, such as 174.1 (Malignant neoplasm of central portion of female breast). If documentation doesn't show the specific location, the correct code for the breast cancer is 174.9 (Malignant neoplasm of breast [female] unspecified site). Under ICD-10-CM, the code will vary based on the breast involved (for example, C50.111, Malignant neoplasm of central portion of right female breast)Metastatic sites: You also should code the metastatic cancer noted in the report. You mentioned liver, which you should report as 197.7 (Malignant neoplasm of liver secondary). For the bone metastasis, report 198.5 (Secondary [...]
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

Radiology Coding Alert

View All