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ICD-10 Coding for History of Brain Tumor(Z85.841, Z86.011)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for History of Brain Tumor. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

History of Brain CancerHx of Brain Tumor

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to History of Brain Tumor

Z85-Z86Primary Range

Personal history of malignant neoplasms and certain other neoplasms

This range includes codes for documenting a patient's history of neoplasms, both malignant and benign, which are no longer active.

Malignant neoplasms of brain and other parts of central nervous system

This range is relevant for coding active malignant brain tumors, which must be differentiated from historical cases.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
Z85.841Personal history of malignant neoplasm of brainUse when the patient has a resolved malignant brain tumor with no current treatment.
  • Absence of tumor on MRI/CT
  • No active treatment orders
  • Pathology confirming prior malignancy
Z86.011Personal history of benign neoplasm of brainUse when the patient has a resolved benign brain tumor with no current treatment.
  • Imaging showing stable/resected benign tumor
  • Histology report confirming benign nature

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 history of brain tumor

Essential facts and insights about History of Brain Tumor

Use Z85.841 for malignant and Z86.011 for benign brain tumor history, ensuring no active treatment.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for history of brain tumor

Personal history of malignant neoplasm of brain
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient has no active brain tumor and no ongoing treatment.

documentation Criteria

  • MRI/CT shows no evidence of disease.

Applicable To

  • History of malignant brain tumor

Excludes

  • Current malignant neoplasm of brain (C71.9)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Absence of tumor on MRI/CT
  • No active treatment orders
  • Pathology confirming prior malignancy

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusing with active cancer codes
  • Using during active treatment phase

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation clearly states the tumor is resolved and no active treatment is ongoing.

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 after treatment of malignant brain tumor.

Differential Codes

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

Malignant neoplasm of brain, unspecified

C71.9
Use C71.9 for active malignant brain tumors, not for historical cases.

Benign neoplasm of brain, unspecified

D33.0
Use D33.0 for active benign brain tumors, not for historical cases.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting History of Brain Tumor to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z85.841.

Impact

Clinical: Incomplete clinical picture for patient care., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding specificity requirements., Financial: Potential claim denials due to lack of specificity.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify laterality and anatomic site in documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure the tumor is resolved and no active treatment is ongoing before using history codes.

Impact

Using history codes when the patient is still undergoing treatment can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation clearly states the tumor is resolved and no active treatment is ongoing.

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 History of Brain Tumor, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for History of Brain Tumor

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for History of Brain Tumor. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Resolved Malignant Brain Tumor

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Tumor type and behavior
  • Date of last treatment
  • Current status
  • Anatomic site

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: Patient reports no headaches or neurological deficits. **Objective**: MRI brain (3/2025): No evidence of recurrent disease. Stable post-resection changes in right parietal lobe. **Assessment**: History of WHO grade IV glioblastoma (resected 10/2023), no recurrence. **Plan**: Annual surveillance MRI.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Hx brain tumor
Good Documentation Example
History of resected glioblastoma (2019), no recurrence on 3/2025 MRI
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the tumor type, treatment, and current status, which are necessary for accurate coding.

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