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ICD-10 Coding for Lytic Lesion(C79.51, C90.00)

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

Also known as:

Osteolytic LesionBone Lytic Lesion

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Lytic Lesion

C79.5-C79.51Primary Range

Secondary malignant neoplasm of bone

Used for coding metastatic bone cancer presenting with lytic lesions.

Multiple myeloma

Applicable when lytic lesions are due to multiple myeloma.

Other specified disorders of bone

Used for benign lytic lesions when no neoplasm is identified.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
C79.51Secondary malignant neoplasm of boneUse when metastasis to bone is confirmed by imaging or biopsy.
  • PSMA-PET/CT SUVmax >4.0
  • Biopsy showing adenocarcinoma cells
C90.00Multiple myeloma not having achieved remissionUse for multiple myeloma with confirmed lytic lesions.
  • Serum M-protein >3 g/dL
  • ≥3 lytic lesions on skeletal survey

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 lytic lesion

Essential facts and insights about Lytic Lesion

The ICD-10 code for a lytic lesion varies by cause: C79.51 for metastatic lesions, C90.00 for myeloma-related lesions.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for lytic lesion

Secondary malignant neoplasm of bone
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed metastasis to bone via imaging or biopsy.

Applicable To

  • Metastatic bone cancer

Excludes

  • Primary bone cancer

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • PSMA-PET/CT SUVmax >4.0
  • Biopsy showing adenocarcinoma cells

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect use without confirmation of primary malignancy.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure primary malignancy is coded first.

Ancillary Codes

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

Other specified disorders of bone, multiple sites

M85.89
Use for benign lytic lesions when no neoplasm is identified.

Pathological fracture, other site, initial encounter

M84.58XA
Use if a pathological fracture is present.

Differential Codes

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

Malignant neoplasm of bone and articular cartilage, unspecified

C41.9
Use for primary bone cancer, not metastatic.

Secondary malignant neoplasm of bone

C79.51
Use for metastatic lesions, not myeloma.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Lytic Lesion to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code C79.51.

Impact

Clinical: Ambiguity in treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the side of the body affected., Use structured templates for consistency.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential denial of claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Query for primary site confirmation before coding.

Impact

Use of unspecified codes without adequate documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory fields in EHR for lesion specifics.

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 Lytic Lesion, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Lytic Lesion

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

Oncology Progress Note

Specialty: Oncology

Required Elements

  • Location and laterality of lesion
  • Lodwick classification
  • Imaging findings
  • Pathology results

Example Documentation

4.5 cm permeative lytic lesion (Lodwick IIIB) in left femoral neck with associated cortical disruption. PSMA-PET shows SUVmax 8.2, consistent with metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma (C61). No pathologic fracture identified.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient with bone pain. Lytic lesion seen on X-ray.
Good Documentation Example
3.2 cm geographic lytic lesion (Lodwick IA) in proximal right femur with sclerotic margins, no periosteal reaction - biopsy confirms metastatic adenocarcinoma.
Explanation
The good example includes specific lesion characteristics and diagnostic confirmation.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Lytic Lesion? Ask your questions below.

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