ICD-10 Coding for Papillary Thyroid Cancer(C73, C77.0)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Papillary Thyroid Cancer. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| C73 | Malignant neoplasm of thyroid gland | Use when papillary thyroid carcinoma is confirmed without metastasis. |
|
| C77.0 | Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of lymph nodes of head, face and neck | Use when papillary thyroid carcinoma has metastasized to cervical lymph nodes. |
|
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 papillary thyroid cancer
Essential facts and insights about Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for papillary thyroid cancer
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Histological confirmation of papillary thyroid carcinoma
Applicable To
- Papillary thyroid carcinoma
- Follicular variant of papillary carcinoma
Excludes
- Benign thyroid neoplasm
- Medullary thyroid carcinoma
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Histological confirmation of papillary carcinoma
- Presence of nuclear features typical of papillary carcinoma
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification with benign thyroid conditions
- Incorrect use without histological confirmation
Coding Notes
- Ensure histological confirmation before coding.
C77.0 - Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of lymph nodes of head, face and neck
Use when papillary thyroid carcinoma has metastasized to cervical lymph nodes.
Applicable To
- Metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma to lymph nodes
Excludes
- Primary lymph node neoplasm
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Imaging or biopsy confirmation of lymph node metastasis
Coding Notes
Ensure metastasis is confirmed before coding.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Secondary malignant neoplasm of lymph nodes of head, face and neck
C77.0Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Papillary Thyroid Cancer to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code C73.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Verify histological confirmation before coding., Ensure documentation includes pathology report.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data and statistics.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure histological confirmation before coding C73.
Impact
Coding C73 without confirmed histology increases audit risk.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all cases have documented histological confirmation.
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 Papillary Thyroid Cancer, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Papillary Thyroid Cancer. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Thyroidectomy with confirmed papillary carcinoma
Specialty: EndocrinologyRequired Elements
- Tumor size
- Histological variant
- Lymph node involvement
- Margins
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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