Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Gastric Mass(C16.9, D13.1)

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

Also known as:

Stomach MassGastric TumorStomach Tumor

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Gastric Mass

C16.0-C16.9Primary Range

Malignant neoplasms of the stomach

Primary range for coding malignant gastric masses.

Benign neoplasm of stomach

Used for coding benign gastric masses such as GISTs.

Gastric intestinal metaplasia

Codes for gastric metaplasia, which may present as a mass.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
C16.9Malignant neoplasm of stomach, unspecifiedUse when a malignant gastric mass is confirmed but specific location is not documented.
  • Biopsy-proven adenocarcinoma
  • Endoscopic visualization of mass
D13.1Benign neoplasm of stomachUse for benign gastric tumors confirmed by histology.
  • Histological confirmation of benign nature
  • Immunohistochemistry results

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 mass

Essential facts and insights about Gastric Mass

The ICD-10 code for a malignant gastric mass is C16.9, while a benign gastric mass is coded as D13.1.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for gastric mass

Malignant neoplasm of stomach, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed malignancy via biopsy

documentation Criteria

  • Location of mass not specified

Applicable To

  • Gastric cancer
  • Stomach cancer

Excludes

  • Benign gastric tumors
  • Gastric polyps

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Biopsy-proven adenocarcinoma
  • Endoscopic visualization of mass

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of unspecified location leading to audit issues.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies malignancy to avoid misclassification.

Ancillary Codes

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

Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasms of digestive organs

Z12.0
Use when the mass is found during a screening procedure.

Differential Codes

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

Benign neoplasm of stomach

D13.1
Use for benign lesions confirmed by histology.

Malignant neoplasm of stomach, unspecified

C16.9
Use when malignancy is confirmed.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Gastric Mass to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code C16.9.

Impact

Clinical: Impacts treatment decisions and prognosis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to lack of specificity.

Mitigation Strategy

Use structured templates, Ensure biopsy results are included in documentation

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to financial discrepancies., Compliance: Potential audit trigger due to incorrect site coding., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting treatment decisions.

Mitigation Strategy

Use C16.0 if the epicenter is more than 2 cm into the stomach.

Impact

Incorrect coding of gastric vs. esophageal masses.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify epicenter location and use appropriate 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 Mass, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Gastric Mass

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

Gastric cancer diagnosis

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Tumor location
  • Histological type
  • Size and depth of invasion

Example Documentation

3 cm ulcerated mass in gastric antrum, biopsy shows adenocarcinoma.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Gastric mass seen on EGD.
Good Documentation Example
4 cm ulcerated mass in gastric cardia, biopsy confirms adenocarcinoma.
Explanation
The good example provides specific location, size, and histological confirmation.

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

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

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more