ICD-10 Coding for Adenocarcinoma of Sigmoid Colon(C18.7)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Adenocarcinoma of Sigmoid Colon. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Adenocarcinoma of Sigmoid Colon
C18-C20Primary Range
Malignant neoplasms of colon, rectum, and anus
This range includes all malignant neoplasms of the colon, rectum, and anus, with C18.7 specifically for the sigmoid colon.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for adenocarcinoma of sigmoid colon
Essential facts and insights about Adenocarcinoma of Sigmoid Colon
Primary ICD-10-CM Code for adenocarcinoma of sigmoid colon
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Confirmed adenocarcinoma in the sigmoid colon via biopsy
documentation Criteria
- Detailed pathology report specifying tumor location and type
Applicable To
- Adenocarcinoma of sigmoid colon
Excludes
- Benign neoplasm of sigmoid colon (D12.5)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Pathology report confirming adenocarcinoma
- Imaging studies showing tumor in sigmoid colon
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if tumor location is not clearly documented
Coding Notes
- Ensure precise documentation of tumor location to avoid misclassification.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Personal history of other malignant neoplasm of large intestine
Z85.038Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Adenocarcinoma of Sigmoid Colon to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code C18.7.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding specificity requirements., Financial: Potential loss of revenue due to incorrect DRG assignment.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure detailed documentation of tumor location, Educate providers on importance of specificity
Impact
Reimbursement: Potential underpayment due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines requiring specificity., Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in cancer registry data.
Mitigation Strategy
Query provider for specific location within the colon.
Impact
Audits may target cases coded with unspecified colon cancer codes.
Mitigation Strategy
Implement thorough documentation practices and regular training for coding staff.
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 Sigmoid Colon, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Adenocarcinoma of Sigmoid Colon
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Adenocarcinoma of Sigmoid Colon. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Pathology report for sigmoid colon adenocarcinoma
Specialty: PathologyRequired Elements
- Tumor site
- Histologic type
- Tumor size
- Margins
- Lymph node involvement
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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