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ICD-10 Coding for Gastric Adenocarcinoma(C16.0, C16.9)

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

Also known as:

Stomach CancerGastric Cancer

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Gastric Adenocarcinoma

C16.0-C16.9Primary Range

Malignant neoplasm of stomach

This range includes codes for site-specific gastric adenocarcinoma, essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment coding.

Personal history of other malignant neoplasm of stomach

Used for documenting history of gastric cancer in post-treatment surveillance.

Encounter for antineoplastic chemotherapy

Used as a primary code for encounters specifically for chemotherapy treatment.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
C16.0Malignant neoplasm of cardiaUse when the tumor is located in the gastric cardia, confirmed by imaging or biopsy.
  • Documentation of tumor involving gastric cardia or proximal stomach near EGJ
C16.9Malignant neoplasm of stomach, unspecifiedUse only when the specific site of the gastric tumor is not documented.
  • Lack of specific site 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 gastric adenocarcinoma

Essential facts and insights about Gastric Adenocarcinoma

The ICD-10 code for gastric adenocarcinoma varies by location, such as C16.0 for the cardia and C16.9 for unspecified sites.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for gastric adenocarcinoma

Malignant neoplasm of cardia
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Tumor located at the gastric cardia

Applicable To

  • Tumor involving gastric cardia

Excludes

  • Esophageal cancer

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documentation of tumor involving gastric cardia or proximal stomach near EGJ

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification with esophageal cancer

Coding Notes

  • Ensure precise documentation of tumor location to avoid misclassification.

Ancillary Codes

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

Encounter for antineoplastic chemotherapy

Z51.11
Use during chemotherapy treatment encounters.

Differential Codes

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

Malignant neoplasm of lower third of esophagus

C15.5
Use C15.5 if the tumor is primarily in the esophagus rather than the gastric cardia.

Malignant neoplasm of cardia

C16.0
Use C16.0 if the tumor is located in the cardia.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Gastric Adenocarcinoma to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code C16.0.

Impact

Clinical: Impacts treatment planning, Regulatory: Increases audit risk, Financial: May affect reimbursement rates

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of tumor location, Use specific codes whenever possible

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment, Compliance: Potential audit risk, Data Quality: Inaccurate cancer registry data

Mitigation Strategy

Clarify the tumor's midpoint location relative to the stomach and esophagus.

Impact

Using unspecified codes due to lack of detailed documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Encourage detailed documentation and use of specific codes.

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

Documentation Templates for Gastric Adenocarcinoma

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

Initial Diagnosis

Specialty: Oncology

Required Elements

  • Tumor location
  • Histologic type
  • Staging details
  • Biopsy results

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has stomach cancer.
Good Documentation Example
EGD reveals a 3 cm ulcerated lesion in the gastric body. Biopsy confirms poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with lymphovascular invasion. No evidence of metastasis on CT.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the tumor's location, type, and diagnostic confirmation, which are crucial for accurate coding.

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

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

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