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ICD-10 Coding for Mediastinal Adenopathy(R59.0, C77.1)

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

Also known as:

Mediastinal LymphadenopathyEnlarged Mediastinal Lymph Nodes

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Mediastinal Adenopathy

R59Primary Range

Enlarged lymph nodes

This range includes codes for lymphadenopathy, which is relevant for coding mediastinal adenopathy.

Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of lymph nodes

This range is used when mediastinal adenopathy is due to metastatic cancer.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
R59.0Localized enlarged lymph nodesUse when mediastinal adenopathy is localized and no specific etiology is confirmed.
  • CT or PET scan showing isolated mediastinal lymph nodes >1 cm
C77.1Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of mediastinal lymph nodesUse when mediastinal adenopathy is due to metastasis from a known primary cancer.
  • Biopsy-proven metastasis from a primary cancer

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 mediastinal adenopathy

Essential facts and insights about Mediastinal Adenopathy

The ICD-10 code for localized mediastinal adenopathy is R59.0, used when the condition is isolated without a confirmed etiology.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for mediastinal adenopathy

Localized enlarged lymph nodes
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Imaging shows isolated mediastinal lymph nodes >1 cm.

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation specifies 'mediastinal' and node size.

Applicable To

  • Isolated mediastinal adenopathy

Excludes

  • Generalized lymphadenopathy (R59.1)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • CT or PET scan showing isolated mediastinal lymph nodes >1 cm

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of incorrect coding if laterality or size is not documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the location and size of the lymph nodes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Observation for suspected conditions

Z03.89
Use when mediastinal adenopathy is under investigation without a confirmed diagnosis.

Differential Codes

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

Generalized enlarged lymph nodes

R59.1
Use when lymphadenopathy is present in multiple regions, not just mediastinal.

Localized enlarged lymph nodes

R59.0
Use R59.0 when no malignancy is confirmed.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Mediastinal Adenopathy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R59.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on documentation standards., Use templates that prompt for node size.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies 'mediastinal' and use R59.0 for localized cases.

Impact

Using R59.9 without sufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies node location and size.

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 Mediastinal Adenopathy, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Mediastinal Adenopathy

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

Oncology Progress Note

Specialty: Oncology

Required Elements

  • Imaging findings
  • Biopsy results
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

**Imaging:** CT chest: 4R node (2.1 cm), station 7 (1.9 cm). PET SUVmax 8.2. **Procedure:** CPT 39402 - Mediastinoscopy with 4R/7 biopsies. **Pathology:** (4R) Metastatic squamous cell carcinoma, p40+/p63+. **Assessment:** C34.90 (Lung NSCLS) → C77.1 (Mediastinal mets).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Enlarged mediastinal nodes, will monitor.
Good Documentation Example
4R node biopsy: CK7+/TTF1+ adenocarcinoma, consistent with lung primary. No extrathoracic malignancy.
Explanation
The good example provides specific biopsy results and links to a primary cancer diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Mediastinal Adenopathy? Ask your questions below.

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