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ICD-10 Coding for Ependymoma(C71.5, C72.0)

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

Also known as:

Spinal EpendymomaIntraventricular EpendymomaMyxopapillary Ependymoma

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Ependymoma

C71-C72Primary Range

Malignant neoplasms of brain and central nervous system

Primary range for coding malignant ependymomas based on location.

Benign and uncertain behavior neoplasms of brain and central nervous system

Used for coding benign or uncertain behavior ependymomas.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
C71.5Malignant neoplasm of cerebral ventricleUse for confirmed malignant ependymomas located in the cerebral ventricle.
  • Histological confirmation of ependymoma
  • MRI showing supratentorial mass
C72.0Malignant neoplasm of spinal cordUse for confirmed malignant ependymomas located in the spinal cord.
  • Histological confirmation of spinal ependymoma
  • MRI showing spinal cord mass

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 ependymoma

Essential facts and insights about Ependymoma

The ICD-10 code for malignant ependymoma in the cerebral ventricle is C71.5, and for the spinal cord, it is C72.0.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for ependymoma

Malignant neoplasm of cerebral ventricle
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed malignancy via histology

Applicable To

  • Supratentorial ependymoma
  • Intraventricular ependymoma

Excludes

  • Benign ependymoma (D33.2)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Histological confirmation of ependymoma
  • MRI showing supratentorial mass

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding benign tumors as malignant.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure histological confirmation of malignancy before coding.

Differential Codes

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

Benign neoplasm of brain, supratentorial

D33.2
Use when histology confirms benign nature.

Benign neoplasm of spinal cord

D33.4
Use when histology confirms benign nature.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Ependymoma to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code C71.5.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding updates., Financial: Potential reimbursement issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Include molecular testing results in reports., Cross-check with histological findings.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify histological findings before assigning codes.

Impact

Failure to document molecular findings can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all histological and molecular data are included in reports.

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 Ependymoma, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Ependymoma

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

Histological confirmation of ependymoma

Specialty: Pathology

Required Elements

  • Tumor location
  • Histological grade
  • Molecular findings

Example Documentation

Tumor Location: Fourth ventricle; Histology: Ependymoma, WHO grade 2; Molecular Findings: EZHIP overexpression.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Brain tumor, unspecified.
Good Documentation Example
Supratentorial ependymoma, WHO grade 3, ZFTA fusion-positive.
Explanation
The good example specifies location, grade, and molecular findings, which are essential for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Ependymoma? Ask your questions below.

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