Wiki N63 BREAST MASS ICD10 CODES - How to request "OTHER SPECIFIED" be added for Oct 2018

[jbaird]

N63 BREAST MASS ICD10 CODES - How to request "OTHER SPECIFIED" be added for Oct 2018

Hello,

Does anyone know how to make a request for additional digits to be added to ICD-10 codes?

I had hoped the N63 code group would have an addition this fall to include an additional digit of 8 like what we see on the breast cancer codes to allow for coding overlapping quadrant areas, ie. 12,3,6 or 9 o'clock locations. Breast cancer codes allow for use of C50.8-- for overlapping sites, however this is not available with the breast mass codes & we do receive denials for use of the unspecified quadrant codes. At this point it does not look like the N63 section codes will change Oct 2018.

 

[lindsaydellavella]

I'm not sure how to make a request but I agree with you--a new code for overlapping sites seems like it's necessary. For now, until hopefully a new code comes along, we are providing education to radiologists and trying to stress the importance of stating the quadrant, instead of just saying 9 o'clock, 12 etc.

Lindsay Della Vella BS, COC
www.midnightmedicalcoding.com

 

[jbaird]

N63 BREAST MASS ICD10 CODES - other specified

Thank you Lindsay. I appreciate the reply.
We have asked the radiologists to state the quadrant instead of the clock location, but I believe it will remain an issue until a N63.8- code option for overlapping quadrant is added. I have read a few threads that indicate we can code 2 quadrants. For example, for a 9 o'clock right breast mass we could use N63.11 and N63.13. Do you agree with that?

 

[pookergirl]

unspecified quadrant for 12, 3, 6, 9 - not covered by Medicare

I'm very interested in the answer to this as well. Our Mgrs said use unspecified, not two quadrants. I disagree with this because it's not covered by Medicare, just one digit off and it FMN. I don't think that's right. There needs to be a decision or official guideline for this. If there are guidelines for breast CA with regard to quadrants, it should also apply to lump/mass breast quadrants.