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ICD-10 Coding for Breast Benign Cyst(N60.09, N60.01, N60.02)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Breast Benign Cyst. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Breast CystSimple Breast CystSolitary Breast Cyst

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Breast Benign Cyst

N60.0-N60.9Primary Range

Benign mammary dysplasia

This range includes codes for benign cysts and other non-neoplastic breast conditions.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
N60.09Solitary cyst of unspecified breastUse when a simple cyst is confirmed by imaging without solid components.
  • Anechoic appearance on ultrasound
  • Smooth margins
  • No solid components
N60.01Solitary cyst of right breastUse when a simple cyst is confirmed in the right breast.
  • Anechoic appearance on ultrasound
  • Smooth margins
  • No solid components
N60.02Solitary cyst of left breastUse when a simple cyst is confirmed in the left breast.
  • Anechoic appearance on ultrasound
  • Smooth margins
  • No solid components

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 breast benign cyst

Essential facts and insights about Breast Benign Cyst

The ICD-10 code for a breast benign cyst is N60.09 for unspecified breast, N60.01 for right breast, and N60.02 for left breast.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for breast benign cyst

Solitary cyst of unspecified breast
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Ultrasound shows anechoic, thin-walled cyst with posterior enhancement.

documentation Criteria

  • Include imaging findings and absence of solid components.

Applicable To

  • Simple breast cyst

Excludes

  • Benign neoplasm of breast (D24)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Anechoic appearance on ultrasound
  • Smooth margins
  • No solid components

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as a neoplasm
  • Incorrect laterality documentation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure imaging confirms the cyst is simple and benign.

Ancillary Codes

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

Inconclusive mammogram

R92.2
Use when mammogram results are inconclusive and further imaging is required.

Differential Codes

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

Benign neoplasm of breast

D24
Use D24 when histological examination confirms a neoplasm.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Breast Benign Cyst to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N60.09.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to unnecessary follow-up procedures., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include BI-RADS category in imaging reports., Train staff on the importance of complete documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Failure to comply with coding guidelines can result in audits., Data Quality: Inaccurate data entry affects clinical records and research data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use N60.01 for right breast or N60.02 for left breast when laterality is documented.

Impact

Using N60.09 when laterality is documented can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify documentation for laterality before coding.

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 Breast Benign Cyst, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Breast Benign Cyst

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

Imaging and diagnosis of a simple breast cyst

Specialty: Radiology

Required Elements

  • Patient demographics
  • Breast laterality
  • Ultrasound findings
  • BI-RADS category
  • Follow-up recommendations

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a palpable lump in the left breast. Ultrasound shows a 1.5 cm simple cyst with anechoic appearance and smooth margins. BI-RADS 2. No further action required.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Cyst present in breast.
Good Documentation Example
1.5 cm simple cyst in left breast with anechoic appearance and smooth margins. BI-RADS 2.
Explanation
The good example provides specific imaging findings and BI-RADS classification, which are necessary for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Breast Benign Cyst? Ask your questions below.

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