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ICD-10 Coding for Benign Neoplasm of Brain(D33.0, D33.2, Z86.011)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Benign Neoplasm of Brain. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Benign Brain TumorNon-malignant Brain Neoplasm

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Benign Neoplasm of Brain

D33.0-D33.2Primary Range

Benign neoplasm of brain and other parts of central nervous system

This range covers benign neoplasms located in various parts of the brain, including supratentorial and unspecified regions.

Personal history of benign neoplasm of brain

Used for patients with a history of benign brain neoplasms after treatment or resection.

Benign neoplasm of meninges

This range is used for coding benign meningiomas, which are excluded from the D33 series.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
D33.0Benign neoplasm of brain, supratentorialUse when the benign neoplasm is located in the supratentorial region of the brain.
  • MRI showing well-circumscribed lesion
  • Histological confirmation of benign nature
D33.2Benign neoplasm of brain, unspecifiedUse when the specific location within the brain is not documented.
  • Imaging studies indicating a non-specific benign lesion
  • Lack of specific location documentation
Z86.011Personal history of benign neoplasm of brainUse when documenting a patient's history of a benign brain neoplasm after treatment.
  • Documented history of resection or treatment
  • No active neoplasm present

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for benign neoplasm of brain

Essential facts and insights about Benign Neoplasm of Brain

The ICD-10 code for benign neoplasm of the brain is D33.0 for supratentorial and D33.2 for unspecified locations.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for benign neoplasm of brain

Benign neoplasm of brain, supratentorial
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • MRI shows well-defined margins without infiltration.

Applicable To

  • Benign neoplasm of cerebral cortex
  • Benign neoplasm of frontal lobe

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI showing well-circumscribed lesion
  • Histological confirmation of benign nature

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with malignant neoplasms if histology is not confirmed

Coding Notes

  • Ensure MRI and histology reports are available to confirm benign status.

Ancillary Codes

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

Headache

R51.9
Use if the patient presents with headaches due to the neoplasm.

Differential Codes

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

Malignant neoplasm of brain, supratentorial

C71.0
Requires histological confirmation of malignancy.

Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of brain

D49.6
Use when behavior of the neoplasm is uncertain.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Benign Neoplasm of Brain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code D33.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure biopsy results are documented, Cross-check with pathology reports

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Use D33.x for active benign neoplasms and Z86.011 only for history.

Impact

Using Z86.011 for active neoplasms can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular training on code differentiation and documentation review.

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 Benign Neoplasm of Brain, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Benign Neoplasm of Brain

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

Neurosurgery Progress Note

Specialty: Neurosurgery

Required Elements

  • Location
  • Size
  • Characteristics
  • Symptoms
  • Histology
  • Plan

Example Documentation

Location: Left temporal lobe Size: 2.4 cm (stable from prior) Characteristics: No diffusion restriction, homogeneous enhancement Symptoms: New onset focal seizures Histology: Ganglioglioma (confirmed via biopsy 2025-03-15) Plan: Continued surveillance MRI q6mo

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Brain mass
Good Documentation Example
3 cm well-circumscribed lesion in right frontal lobe with no edema or enhancement, consistent with WHO Grade I meningioma per MRI/MRS
Explanation
The good example provides specific location, size, and imaging characteristics, improving documentation quality.

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