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ICD-10 Coding for History of Colon Cancer(Z85.038, Z80.0)

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

Also known as:

Personal History of Colon CancerPast Colon CancerResolved Colon CancerHx of Colon Cancerhx colon cancerhistory malignant neoplasm colon

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to History of Colon Cancer

Z85.03-Z85.038Primary Range

Personal history of malignant neoplasm of digestive organs

This range includes codes for personal history of malignant neoplasms of the colon, which is the primary focus for history of colon cancer.

Family history of primary malignant neoplasm

This range includes codes for family history of malignant neoplasms, relevant for documenting family history of colon cancer.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
Z85.038Personal history of malignant neoplasm of colonUse when the patient has completed treatment for colon cancer and there is no current evidence of disease.
  • Documented history of colon cancer treatment completion
  • No current evidence of disease
Z80.0Family history of malignant neoplasm of digestive organsUse when documenting a family history of colon cancer.
  • Documented family history of colon cancer in first-degree relatives

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 colon cancer

Essential facts and insights about History of Colon Cancer

The ICD-10 code for history of colon cancer is Z85.038, used when treatment is complete and no disease is present.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for history of colon cancer

Personal history of malignant neoplasm of colon
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient has completed treatment and has no current evidence of disease.

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation must explicitly state 'history of colon cancer'.

Applicable To

  • History of colon cancer

Excludes

  • Active colon cancer (C18.9)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented history of colon cancer treatment completion
  • No current evidence of disease

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding active cancer as history

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation clearly states 'history of' to avoid coding errors.

Ancillary Codes

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

Personal history of colonic polyps

Z86.010
Use alongside Z85.038 if the patient has a history of colonic polyps.

Differential Codes

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

Malignant neoplasm of colon, unspecified

C18.9
Use C18.9 if the cancer is currently active or being treated.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting History of Colon Cancer to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z85.038.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials or incorrect payments.

Mitigation Strategy

Use clear language in documentation, Regular training for providers on documentation standards

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to inappropriate reimbursement rates., Compliance: Misclassification can result in compliance issues., Data Quality: Affects the accuracy of patient records and data analytics.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify treatment completion and current disease status before coding as history.

Impact

Risk of coding active cancer as history or vice versa.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement regular audits and provider education.

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

Documentation Templates for History of Colon Cancer

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

Oncology Follow-Up

Specialty: Oncology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Treatment details
  • Current surveillance plan

Example Documentation

65M s/p laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for Stage IIIA colon adenocarcinoma (2019), completed adjuvant FOLFOX 2020. Surveillance colonoscopy 1/2025: normal.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
History of colon cancer, here for follow-up.
Good Documentation Example
History of Stage IIIC sigmoid colon adenocarcinoma s/p resection + adjuvant XELOX (completed 8/2023). Surveillance CT 3/2025: no metastases.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the cancer stage, treatment, and current surveillance findings.

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

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