ICD-10 Coding for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma(C73, C77.0)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
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 a confirmed diagnosis of thyroid cancer is present. |
|
| C77.0 | Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of lymph nodes of head, face and neck | Use when lymph node metastasis is confirmed in thyroid 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 papillary thyroid carcinoma
Essential facts and insights about Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for papillary thyroid carcinoma
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Confirmed malignancy via pathology
Applicable To
- Papillary thyroid carcinoma
Excludes
- Benign neoplasm of thyroid gland (D34)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Pathology report confirming thyroid malignancy
- Imaging showing thyroid nodule with suspicious features
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if histology is not specified
Coding Notes
- Ensure histologic subtype is documented for accurate coding.
C77.0 - Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of lymph nodes of head, face and neck
Use when lymph node metastasis is confirmed in thyroid cancer.
Applicable To
- Metastatic carcinoma to cervical lymph nodes
Excludes
- Primary malignant neoplasm of lymph nodes (C81-C96)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Pathology report confirming lymph node metastasis
- Imaging showing suspicious lymph nodes
Coding Notes
Ensure lymph node involvement is documented in the pathology report.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of lymph nodes of head, face and neck
C77.0Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code C73.
Impact
Clinical: Incomplete clinical picture, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement
Mitigation Strategy
Review pathology reports, Cross-check imaging results
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data reporting.
Mitigation Strategy
Use M8260/3 for papillary thyroid carcinoma.
Impact
Failure to document specific histologic subtype can lead to audit issues.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure pathology reports include detailed histologic findings.
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 Carcinoma, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Thyroid cancer with lymph node involvement
Specialty: EndocrinologyRequired Elements
- Histologic subtype
- Tumor size
- Lymph node status
- Molecular markers
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
Need help with ICD-10 coding for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma? Ask your questions below.