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ICD-10 Coding for Breast Cancer (Right)(C50.011, C50.111)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Breast Cancer (Right). Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Right Breast CarcinomaRight Breast Malignancy

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Breast Cancer (Right)

C50.011-C50.919Primary Range

Malignant neoplasm of breast

This range includes all specific sites and laterality for breast cancer, crucial for accurate coding of right breast cancer.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
C50.011Malignant neoplasm of nipple and areola, right female breastUse when the tumor is located in the nipple or areola of the right breast.
  • Biopsy confirming malignancy
  • Imaging showing tumor in nipple/areola region
C50.111Malignant neoplasm of central portion of right female breastUse when the tumor is located in the central portion of the right breast.
  • Biopsy confirming malignancy in central portion
  • Imaging showing tumor in central breast area

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 right breast cancer

Essential facts and insights about Breast Cancer (Right)

The ICD-10 code for right breast cancer depends on the tumor's location, such as C50.011 for nipple/areola.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for breast cancer right

Malignant neoplasm of nipple and areola, right female breast
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of malignant cells in nipple biopsy

Applicable To

  • Paget's disease of nipple, right breast

Excludes

  • Benign neoplasm of right breast (D24.1)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Biopsy confirming malignancy
  • Imaging showing tumor in nipple/areola region

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misidentifying the site as unspecified when specific location is documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality and specific site are documented to avoid unspecified coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Follow-up examination after treatment for malignant neoplasm

Z08
Use for follow-up visits post-treatment.

Estrogen receptor positive status

Z17.0
Use to indicate ER positive status from pathology.

Differential Codes

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

Benign neoplasm of right breast

D24.1
Use D24.1 for benign tumors, confirmed by histology.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Breast Cancer (Right) to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code C50.011.

Impact

Clinical: Affects treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential loss in reimbursement for targeted therapies.

Mitigation Strategy

Include receptor status in pathology reports., Use checklists to ensure all elements are documented.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document and code the specific quadrant or site of the tumor.

Impact

Coding errors related to incorrect laterality documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement double-check systems for laterality in documentation.

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 Cancer (Right), with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Breast Cancer (Right)

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Breast Cancer (Right). These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Right Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Specialty: Oncology

Required Elements

  • Tumor location
  • Histologic type
  • Receptor status
  • Stage

Example Documentation

Patient diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, right upper-outer quadrant, ER+/PR-, HER2-negative.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Breast cancer, right side.
Good Documentation Example
Invasive ductal carcinoma, right upper-outer quadrant, ER+/PR-, HER2-negative.
Explanation
The good example specifies the location, type, and receptor status, which are crucial for accurate coding and treatment planning.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Breast Cancer (Right)? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

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