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ICD-10 Coding for Adenocarcinoma of Lung(C34.11)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Adenocarcinoma of Lung. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Lung AdenocarcinomaPulmonary Adenocarcinoma

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Adenocarcinoma of Lung

C34Primary Range

Malignant neoplasm of bronchus and lung

This range includes primary malignant neoplasms of the lung, specifying location and laterality.

Adenocarcinoma, NOS

Morphology code for adenocarcinoma, used for histological specificity.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for adenocarcinoma of lung

Essential facts and insights about Adenocarcinoma of Lung

The ICD-10 code for adenocarcinoma of the lung, specifically in the upper lobe of the right lung, is C34.11.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for adenocarcinoma of lung

Malignant neoplasm of upper lobe, right bronchus or lung
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed adenocarcinoma in the upper lobe of the right lung.

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation must specify laterality and histology.

Applicable To

  • Adenocarcinoma of upper lobe, right lung

Excludes

  • Secondary neoplasm of lung (C78.00)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Histological confirmation of adenocarcinoma
  • Imaging showing tumor in the upper lobe, right lung

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using unspecified codes if laterality is not documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality and specific lobe are documented to avoid unspecified codes.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Tobacco use

Z72.0
Use when there is a documented history of tobacco use.

Centrilobular emphysema

J43.2
Use when emphysema is a comorbidity.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Secondary malignant neoplasm of lung

C78.00
Use C78.00 for metastatic lung cancer, not primary.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Adenocarcinoma of Lung to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code C34.11.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document laterality in clinical notes., Use templates that prompt for laterality.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Reduces specificity and accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies the exact location and laterality.

Impact

High risk of audits if unspecified codes are used when specific codes are available.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes specific location and laterality.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Adenocarcinoma of Lung, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Adenocarcinoma of Lung

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Adenocarcinoma of Lung. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Adenocarcinoma diagnosis in the right upper lobe

Specialty: Oncology

Required Elements

  • Diagnosis
  • Histology
  • Staging
  • Risk Factors
  • Comorbidities
  • Treatment Plan

Example Documentation

**Diagnosis**: Adenocarcinoma, right upper lobe (C34.11) **Histology**: M8140/3 (confirmed via EBUS biopsy 03/25/2025) **Staging**: cT2N1M0 **Risk Factors**: 40 pack-year smoking history (Z72.0) **Comorbidities**: Centrilobular emphysema (J43.2) **Treatment Plan**: Carboplatin/pemetrexed initiated 03/28/2025

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Lung mass, likely cancer
Good Documentation Example
Moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma involving right lower lobe, confirmed by CT-guided biopsy (M8140/3)
Explanation
The good example provides specific histological and anatomical details necessary for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Adenocarcinoma of Lung? Ask your questions below.

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