KaylaRieken
True Blue
Would I choose D17.79 or D35.01?
-
If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ & read the forum rules. To view all forums, post or create a new thread, you must be an AAPC Member. If you are a member and have already registered for member area and forum access, you can log in by clicking here. If you've forgotten your username or password use our password reminder tool. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below..
Wiki Right Adrenal Myelolipoma ICD 10
- Thread starter KaylaRieken
- Start date
SharonCollachi
Guest
What is your thinking on choosing the general code vs the more specific code that shows the site?
thomas7331
Guest
The alphabetic index in ICD-10 directs you from 'myelolipoma' to 'lipoma', which classifies to D17. Since the adrenal glands are retroperitoneal, D17.79 is the most correct code, in my opinion.
KaylaRieken
True Blue
The book led me to the D17.79 but the D35.01 actually says the adrenal gland. I wasn't sure which way to go with this one.
thomas7331
Guest
I'm not a pathologist, but per my understanding, this is not a neoplasm of the adrenal tissue, but rather a lipoma that happens to be located in the adrenal area, so I believe D35.01 would not be correct here. And from a coding standpoint, it's best to go where the book directs you unless you have documented guidance that supports doing otherwise.
lastle
New
Neoplasm coding is not just about the site but also the tumor morphology. The difference with a myelolipoma it is classified as connective tissue rather than direct anatomical site/organ. Specifically, adrenal myelolipoma Indexes to Lipoma and is further classified as Benign lipomatous neoplasm. But an adrenal adenoma indexes to just benign neoplasm by site. Both are benign neoplasms but have different morphology classifications and therefore different coding classifications. So this code, I follow the Index and Tabular; which leads to D17 category - D17.79 would be the most applicable.
KaylaRieken
True Blue
Thank you for all your input. I will code this as D17.79 