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ICD-10 Coding for Liver Metastasis(C78.7)

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

Also known as:

Hepatic MetastasisSecondary Liver Cancer

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Liver Metastasis

C78-C79Primary Range

Secondary malignant neoplasms

This range includes codes for secondary malignant neoplasms, including liver metastasis.

Malignant neoplasms of liver and intrahepatic bile ducts

This range includes primary liver cancers, which are important for differential diagnosis.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for liver metastasis

Essential facts and insights about Liver Metastasis

The ICD-10 code for liver metastasis is C78.7, used for secondary malignant neoplasm of the liver.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for liver metastasis

Secondary malignant neoplasm of liver and intrahepatic bile duct
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed metastatic lesions in the liver via imaging or biopsy.

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation must specify the primary site of cancer if known.

Applicable To

  • Metastatic liver cancer

Excludes

  • Primary liver cancer (C22.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Pathology report confirming metastatic disease
  • Imaging studies showing liver lesions

Code-Specific Risks

  • Coding without confirmation of metastasis
  • Incorrect sequencing with primary cancer codes

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies whether the liver cancer is primary or secondary.

Ancillary Codes

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

Malignant (primary) neoplasm, unspecified

C80.1
Use when the primary site of the cancer is unknown.

Differential Codes

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

Liver cell carcinoma

C22.0
Use C22.0 for primary liver cancer, confirmed by elevated AFP and cirrhotic liver.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Liver Metastasis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code C78.7.

Impact

Clinical: Impacts treatment decisions and prognosis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough clinical documentation, Query provider if primary site is not documented

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Use R93.2 for abnormal liver imaging until metastasis is confirmed.

Impact

Coding C78.7 without biopsy confirmation.

Mitigation Strategy

Require pathology confirmation before coding.

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

Documentation Templates for Liver Metastasis

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

Oncology assessment for liver metastasis

Specialty: Oncology

Required Elements

  • Primary cancer type
  • Confirmation of liver metastasis
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Assessment: Metastatic colorectal cancer to liver (C78.7), confirmed by biopsy. Treatment: Chemotherapy targeting liver lesions.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Liver lesions noted.
Good Documentation Example
Biopsy confirms metastatic adenocarcinoma from colon primary.
Explanation
The good example provides confirmation and specifies the primary site.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Liver Metastasis? Ask your questions below.

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