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ICD-10 Coding for History of Cancer(Z85.3)

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

Also known as:

Cancer SurvivorPost-Cancer Treatment

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to History of Cancer

Z85-Z86Primary Range

Personal history of malignant neoplasm and other diseases

This range includes codes for documenting a patient's history of cancer, indicating that the cancer is no longer active.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for history of cancer

Essential facts and insights about History of Cancer

The ICD-10 code for a history of cancer is Z85, used when the cancer is no longer active.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for history of cancer

Personal history of malignant neoplasm of breast
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • No active treatment and no evidence of disease

documentation Criteria

  • Documented as 'history of' with completed treatment

Applicable To

  • History of breast cancer

Excludes

  • Current breast cancer (C50.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • No evidence of active disease
  • Completed treatment with no recurrence
  • Surveillance imaging negative

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly used if patient is still receiving active treatment.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation clearly states the cancer is in history with no current treatment.

Ancillary Codes

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

Encounter for follow-up examination after completed treatment for malignant neoplasm

Z08
Use alongside Z85.3 to indicate follow-up care.

Differential Codes

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

Malignant neoplasm of unspecified site of right female breast

C50.911
Use C50.911 if the patient is still undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting History of Cancer to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z85.3.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate follow-up care., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for incorrect billing.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific phrases like 'no evidence of disease', Include treatment completion details

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use active cancer codes if the patient is receiving treatment.

Impact

Using Z85 codes for patients still under treatment.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular audits and training on proper code usage.

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

Documentation Templates for History of Cancer

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

Oncology follow-up visit

Specialty: Oncology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Treatment completion date
  • Current surveillance plan
  • Imaging results

Example Documentation

Patient presents for follow-up after completing breast cancer treatment in 2020. No evidence of disease on recent imaging. Plan: Continue annual mammograms.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
History of breast cancer.
Good Documentation Example
Patient with history of breast cancer, completed treatment in 2020, no evidence of disease.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about treatment completion and current status.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for History of Cancer? Ask your questions below.

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