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ICD-10 Coding for Laryngeal Cancer(C32.0, C32.1)

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

Also known as:

Cancer of the LarynxLaryngeal Carcinomalarynx cancer

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Laryngeal Cancer

C32.0-C32.9Primary Range

Malignant neoplasm of larynx

This range covers all malignant neoplasms of the larynx, including specific subsites such as glottis, supraglottis, and subglottis.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
C32.0Malignant neoplasm of glottisUse when the cancer is confined to the vocal cords.
  • Hoarseness lasting more than 2 weeks
  • Lesion confined to vocal cords on laryngoscopy
C32.1Malignant neoplasm of supraglottisUse when the cancer is located above the vocal cords.
  • Odynophagia
  • Neck mass
  • Lesions above vocal cords

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 laryngeal cancer

Essential facts and insights about Laryngeal Cancer

The ICD-10 code for laryngeal cancer depends on the subsite: C32.0 for glottis, C32.1 for supraglottis, and C32.9 for unspecified parts.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for laryngeal cancer

Malignant neoplasm of glottis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of hoarseness and lesion confined to vocal cords

Applicable To

  • Vocal cord cancer

Excludes

  • Benign neoplasm of vocal cords

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Hoarseness lasting more than 2 weeks
  • Lesion confined to vocal cords on laryngoscopy

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding without specifying laterality

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is documented for accurate coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Dysphonia

R49.0
Use when hoarseness is present as a symptom.

Tobacco dependence

F17.210
Use when there is a documented history of tobacco use.

Differential Codes

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

Malignant neoplasm of unspecified part of larynx

C32.9
Use C32.9 only when the specific subsite cannot be determined after a full workup.

Malignant neoplasm of glottis

C32.0
Differentiate based on the location of the tumor relative to the vocal cords.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Laryngeal Cancer to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code C32.0.

Impact

Clinical: Impacts treatment decisions due to lack of detail., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use synoptic reporting templates, Ensure detailed anatomic descriptions

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines requiring specificity., Data Quality: Reduces the accuracy of clinical data and outcomes tracking.

Mitigation Strategy

Conduct thorough diagnostic workup to determine the specific subsite before coding.

Impact

Audits may focus on whether the specific subsite of laryngeal cancer is documented and coded.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement thorough diagnostic evaluations and detailed documentation practices.

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

Documentation Templates for Laryngeal Cancer

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

Pathology Report for Laryngeal Cancer

Specialty: Pathology

Required Elements

  • Specimen type
  • Tumor site
  • Histology
  • Margins
  • Lymphovascular invasion

Example Documentation

SPECIMEN: Total laryngectomy TUMOR SITE: Transglottic (glottis and supraglottis), left dominant HISTOLOGY: Moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma MARGINS: Closest margin: Anterior resection margin, 2 mm LYMPHOVASCULAR INVASION: Present pTNM: pT3 pN1 (2/15 nodes positive)

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Laryngeal mass noted.
Good Documentation Example
Exophytic lesion involving left vocal cord and anterior commissure, extending to supraglottis.
Explanation
The good example provides specific anatomic details necessary for accurate coding.

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

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

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