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ICD-10 Coding for Invasive Ductal Carcinoma(C50.911, C50.312)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

IDCInfiltrating Ductal Carcinoma

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Invasive Ductal Carcinoma

C50.0-C50.9Primary Range

Malignant neoplasm of breast

This range includes all codes for malignant neoplasms of the breast, including invasive ductal carcinoma.

Secondary malignant neoplasm of bone

Used for coding metastasis from primary breast cancer to bone.

Personal history of malignant neoplasm of breast

Used when documenting a history of breast cancer without active disease.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
C50.911Malignant neoplasm of unspecified site of right female breastUse when the specific quadrant of the right breast is not documented.
  • Biopsy confirming invasive ductal carcinoma
  • Imaging showing tumor size and location
C50.312Malignant neoplasm of upper-outer quadrant of left female breastUse when the tumor is located in the upper outer quadrant of the left breast.
  • Biopsy confirming invasive ductal carcinoma
  • Imaging showing tumor in upper outer quadrant

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 invasive ductal carcinoma

Essential facts and insights about Invasive Ductal Carcinoma

The ICD-10 code for invasive ductal carcinoma of the right breast is C50.911, and for the left upper outer quadrant, it is C50.312.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for invasive ductal carcinoma

Malignant neoplasm of unspecified site of right female breast
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed invasive ductal carcinoma on biopsy

documentation Criteria

  • Laterality and quadrant not specified

Applicable To

  • Invasive ductal carcinoma of right breast

Excludes

  • In situ neoplasms (D05.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Biopsy confirming invasive ductal carcinoma
  • Imaging showing tumor size and location

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of unspecified site leading to audit

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is documented to avoid unspecified coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Secondary malignant neoplasm of bone

C79.81
Use when there is documented metastasis to bone.

Encounter for antineoplastic chemotherapy

Z51.11
Use when patient is receiving chemotherapy.

Differential Codes

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

Lobular carcinoma in situ of unspecified breast

D05.10
Invasive ductal carcinoma is confirmed by biopsy, whereas in situ is non-invasive.

Malignant neoplasm of unspecified site of right female breast

C50.911
Specific quadrant documentation differentiates these codes.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Invasive Ductal Carcinoma to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code C50.911.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to unspecified coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the side of the breast affected.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment may affect payment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate cancer registry data.

Mitigation Strategy

Always code the invasive component when both are present.

Impact

Using unspecified site codes without proper documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes specific site and laterality.

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 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Invasive Ductal Carcinoma

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Pathology report for IDC

Specialty: Oncology

Required Elements

  • Tumor size
  • Histologic grade
  • Receptor status
  • Lymph node involvement

Example Documentation

Specimen: Right breast lumpectomy. Histology: Invasive ductal carcinoma, grade 2. Size: 2.3 cm. Margins: Negative. Receptors: ER 90%, PR 30%, HER2 1+.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Breast cancer, likely invasive.
Good Documentation Example
Invasive ductal carcinoma, grade 2, ER+/PR+, HER2-negative, left upper outer quadrant (3 cm), TNM: pT2N1M0.
Explanation
The good example provides specific histologic and receptor details, essential for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Invasive Ductal Carcinoma? Ask your questions below.

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