Wiki metastatic lung and liver cancer

bjmon83

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Dictation states that patient has newly found metastatic lung and liver cancer. Looking back at notes I can't find that he has had cancer before. Do I code both as secondary cancers? Or is one of these considered primary and how do I know which?

Thanks.

Bobbe Jo
 
Hi Jo
I am Donald, currently doing the Medical Coding course at Penn Foster College. I know the answer to your question, since no mention was made of a primary cancer; you code both as secondary cancer, primary site unknown. You may sequence either first.

Check this out, a code for primary of unknown site.

Enjoy the rest of your day
 
Correct you code the mets first and unknown primary as the secondary code. there is an AHA coding clinic that addresses this issue if you need back up.
 
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