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ICD-10 Coding for Liver Secondary Cancer(C78.7)

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

Also known as:

Metastatic Liver CancerSecondary Liver Neoplasm

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Liver Secondary Cancer

C78-C79Primary Range

Secondary malignant neoplasms

This range includes codes for secondary malignant neoplasms, with C78.7 specifically for liver metastases.

Malignant neoplasm of liver and intrahepatic bile ducts

This range is for primary liver cancers and should not be used for secondary liver cancer.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for liver secondary cancer

Essential facts and insights about Liver Secondary Cancer

Liver secondary cancer is coded as C78.7 in ICD-10, indicating a secondary malignant neoplasm of the liver. The primary site should also be coded if known.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for liver secondary cancer

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.

coding Criteria

  • Primary cancer site must be identified and coded if known.

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation must clearly state 'metastatic to liver' with primary site.

Applicable To

  • Metastatic liver cancer

Excludes

  • Primary liver cancer (C22.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging showing liver lesions
  • Biopsy confirming metastatic disease
  • Identification of primary cancer site

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as primary liver cancer

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the primary site of cancer and confirms metastatic nature.

Ancillary Codes

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

Portal hypertension

K76.81
Use when portal hypertension is present due to liver metastasis.

Hepatomegaly

R16.2
Use when hepatomegaly is documented in the presence of liver metastasis.

Differential Codes

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

Malignant neoplasm of liver, not specified as primary or secondary

C22.9
Use C22.9 only if the primary or secondary nature of the liver cancer is unspecified.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate treatment planning, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough patient history, Confirm primary site with diagnostic tests

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims or incorrect reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on cancer prevalence and treatment outcomes.

Mitigation Strategy

Use C78.7 for secondary liver cancer and code the primary site if known.

Impact

Primary cancer site not sequenced correctly with secondary liver cancer.

Mitigation Strategy

Review coding guidelines for sequencing rules.

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

Documentation Templates for Liver Secondary Cancer

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

Oncology Progress Note for Secondary Liver Cancer

Specialty: Oncology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Imaging findings
  • Biopsy results
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: Patient with known colon cancer presents with new liver lesions. **Objective**: CT shows multiple liver lesions. Biopsy confirms metastatic adenocarcinoma. **Assessment**: Metastatic liver cancer secondary to colon cancer. **Plan**: Initiate chemotherapy.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Liver mass, likely cancer.
Good Documentation Example
Metastatic adenocarcinoma to liver, primary site confirmed as colon via biopsy.
Explanation
The good example specifies the metastatic nature and primary site, which is crucial for accurate coding.

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

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

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