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ICD-10 Coding for Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma(C81.0, C81.1, C81.9)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Hodgkin's DiseaseClassical Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma

C81.0-C81.9Primary Range

Classical Hodgkin lymphoma subtypes

This range includes all subtypes of classical Hodgkin lymphoma, which require specific histologic documentation for accurate coding.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
C81.0Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphomaUse when biopsy confirms nodular lymphocyte predominant subtype.
  • Histologic confirmation of nodular lymphocyte predominant subtype
  • Presence of Reed-Sternberg cells
C81.1Nodular sclerosis classical Hodgkin lymphomaUse when biopsy confirms nodular sclerosis subtype.
  • Histologic confirmation of nodular sclerosis subtype
  • Presence of Reed-Sternberg cells
C81.9Hodgkin lymphoma, unspecifiedUse when subtype is not specified in documentation.
  • Lack of specific histologic subtype documentation

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 classic Hodgkin lymphoma

Essential facts and insights about Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma

The ICD-10 code for classic Hodgkin lymphoma depends on the subtype, such as C81.1 for nodular sclerosis. Use C81.9 if unspecified.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for classic hodgkin lymphoma

Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Biopsy confirms nodular lymphocyte predominant subtype.

Applicable To

  • Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma

Excludes

  • Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Histologic confirmation of nodular lymphocyte predominant subtype
  • Presence of Reed-Sternberg cells

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if subtype is not confirmed

Coding Notes

  • Ensure subtype is documented to avoid unspecified coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Personal history of Hodgkin lymphoma

Z85.71
Use for patients in remission or for history documentation.

Fever of unknown origin

R50.8
Use for documenting B symptoms if not attributed to lymphoma.

Differential Codes

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

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma

C84.4
Differentiate based on CD30/CD15 negativity in peripheral T-cell lymphoma.

Mantle cell lymphoma

C83.30
Differentiate based on CD5+/cyclin D1+ in mantle cell lymphoma.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code C81.0.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate staging and treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with staging documentation requirements., Financial: Potential for incorrect DRG assignment.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure B symptoms are assessed and documented at each visit.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies subtype and use the appropriate specific code.

Impact

Use of unspecified codes when specific subtypes are documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement regular audits of pathology reports to ensure subtype 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 Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Initial diagnosis of classical Hodgkin lymphoma

Specialty: Oncology

Required Elements

  • Diagnosis confirmation
  • Histologic subtype
  • Staging
  • B symptoms

Example Documentation

Diagnosis: Classical Hodgkin lymphoma, nodular sclerosis subtype confirmed by CD30+/CD15+/PAX5 weak immunophenotype.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient with Hodgkin lymphoma, stable.
Good Documentation Example
Stage IIA nodular sclerosis cHL (C81.1) in remission per PET-CT Deauville 2. No B symptoms. Spleen not involved.
Explanation
The good example provides specific staging, subtype, and remission status, improving clarity and coding accuracy.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma? Ask your questions below.

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