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ICD-10 Coding for Lump in Breast(N63.12, N63.15)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Lump in Breast. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Breast MassBreast Lump

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Lump in Breast

N63Primary Range

Unspecified lump in breast

Primary range for coding unspecified lumps in the breast, with specific codes for laterality and quadrant.

Abnormal and inconclusive findings on diagnostic imaging of breast

Used for imaging findings such as microcalcifications that require further investigation.

Benign neoplasm of breast

Used when a breast lump is confirmed as benign through pathology.

Malignant neoplasm of breast

Used when a breast lump is confirmed as malignant through pathology.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
N63.12Unspecified lump in the right breast, upper inner quadrantUse when a lump is documented in the upper inner quadrant of the right breast.
  • Documentation of lump location at 2 o'clock in the right breast
  • Imaging reports confirming lump in specified quadrant
N63.15Unspecified lump in the right breast, overlapping quadrantsUse when a lump spans multiple quadrants in the right breast.
  • Documentation of lump spanning multiple quadrants
  • Imaging reports confirming overlapping quadrant involvement

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 breast lump

Essential facts and insights about Lump in Breast

ICD-10 code N63.1x is used for unspecified lumps in the breast, with specific codes for laterality and quadrant.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for lump in breast

Unspecified lump in the right breast, upper inner quadrant
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Presence of lump in specified quadrant and laterality

Applicable To

  • Palpable mass at 2 o'clock position, right breast

Excludes

  • Malignant neoplasm of breast (C50.911)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documentation of lump location at 2 o'clock in the right breast
  • Imaging reports confirming lump in specified quadrant

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using unspecified codes if quadrant is not documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure quadrant and laterality are documented to avoid unspecified coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Mammographic microcalcification found on diagnostic imaging of breast

R92.1
Use when imaging shows microcalcifications that require further investigation.

Differential Codes

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

Benign neoplasm of breast

D24.1
Use when pathology confirms a benign condition like fibroadenoma.

Malignant neoplasm of unspecified site of right female breast

C50.911
Use when pathology confirms malignancy.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Lump in Breast to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N63.12.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate clinical follow-up., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on the importance of detailed documentation., Implement templates that prompt for specific details.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with specificity requirements., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Query provider for specific quadrant details.

Impact

High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used without justification.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports the most specific code possible.

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 Lump in Breast, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Lump in Breast

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Lump in Breast. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Documenting a breast lump in a clinical setting

Specialty: Radiology

Required Elements

  • Location of lump
  • Size and consistency
  • Imaging findings
  • Clinical plan

Example Documentation

**Location**: Right breast, 2 o'clock position (upper inner quadrant) **Size**: 2.5 cm **Consistency**: Firm, immobile **Imaging Correlation**: Hypoechoic lesion on ultrasound (Report #123) **Plan**: Core biopsy scheduled.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Lump in right breast.
Good Documentation Example
3 cm firm, mobile mass in upper outer quadrant, right breast (9 o'clock position). Mammogram BIRADS 4.
Explanation
The good example provides specific location, size, and imaging details, supporting accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Lump in Breast? Ask your questions below.

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