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ICD-10 Coding for Metastatic Adenocarcinoma of Lung(C34.90, C34.11)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Metastatic Adenocarcinoma of Lung. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Lung Cancer with MetastasisSecondary Lung Cancer

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Metastatic Adenocarcinoma of Lung

C34.0-C34.9Primary Range

Malignant neoplasm of bronchus and lung

Primary range for coding lung adenocarcinoma based on specific location and laterality.

Secondary malignant neoplasm of lung

Used when the lung is a secondary site of metastasis from another primary cancer.

Secondary malignant neoplasm of brain and bone

Used for coding metastasis to brain and bone from primary lung adenocarcinoma.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
C34.90Malignant neoplasm of unspecified part of unspecified bronchus or lungUse when the specific location within the lung is not documented.
  • Biopsy confirming adenocarcinoma
  • Imaging showing lung mass
C34.11Malignant neoplasm of upper lobe, right bronchus or lungUse when adenocarcinoma is confirmed in the right upper lobe.
  • Biopsy confirming adenocarcinoma
  • Imaging showing mass in right upper lobe

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 metastatic adenocarcinoma of lung

Essential facts and insights about Metastatic Adenocarcinoma of Lung

The ICD-10 code for metastatic adenocarcinoma of the lung is C34.XX, with additional codes for specific metastatic sites.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for metastatic adenocarcinoma of lung

Malignant neoplasm of unspecified part of unspecified bronchus or lung
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Biopsy and imaging confirm primary lung adenocarcinoma.

Applicable To

  • Lung cancer NOS

Excludes

  • Benign neoplasm of bronchus and lung (D14.3)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Biopsy confirming adenocarcinoma
  • Imaging showing lung mass

Code-Specific Risks

  • Overuse due to unspecified location

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies primary vs. secondary site.

Ancillary Codes

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

Secondary malignant neoplasm of brain

C79.31
Use to indicate brain metastasis from primary lung adenocarcinoma.

Secondary malignant neoplasm of bone

C79.51
Use to indicate bone metastasis from primary lung adenocarcinoma.

Differential Codes

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

Secondary malignant neoplasm of unspecified lung

C78.00
Use when lung is a secondary site from another primary cancer.

Malignant neoplasm of upper lobe, left bronchus or lung

C34.12
Use for left upper lobe involvement.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Metastatic Adenocarcinoma of Lung to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code C34.90.

Impact

Clinical: May affect treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure biopsy results are included in the medical record., Use checklists for documentation completeness.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document and code the specific lobe and side of lung involvement.

Impact

Primary site not coded first when appropriate.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular audits and coder training.

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 Metastatic Adenocarcinoma of Lung, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Metastatic Adenocarcinoma of Lung

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Metastatic Adenocarcinoma of Lung. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Initial diagnosis of metastatic adenocarcinoma

Specialty: Oncology

Required Elements

  • Primary site
  • Metastatic sites
  • Histology
  • Imaging results

Example Documentation

Patient presents with adenocarcinoma of the right upper lobe (C34.11) with metastasis to the brain (C79.31).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Lung cancer with spread.
Good Documentation Example
Adenocarcinoma of right upper lobe lung (C34.11) with brain metastasis (C79.31).
Explanation
The good example specifies the primary site, histology, and metastatic site.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Metastatic Adenocarcinoma of Lung? Ask your questions below.

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