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ICD-10 Coding for Peritoneal Cancer(C48.2, C78.6)

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

Also known as:

Peritoneal CarcinomatosisCarcinoma of PeritoneumPrimary Peritoneal Cancer

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Peritoneal Cancer

C48.0-C48.2Primary Range

Malignant neoplasm of retroperitoneum and peritoneum

This range includes primary malignant neoplasms originating in the peritoneum.

Secondary malignant neoplasm of retroperitoneum and peritoneum

This code is used for secondary malignant neoplasms that have metastasized to the peritoneum.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
C48.2Malignant neoplasm of peritoneumUse when the primary cancer originates in the peritoneum.
  • Histologic confirmation of peritoneal origin
  • Imaging showing primary peritoneal involvement
C78.6Secondary malignant neoplasm of retroperitoneum and peritoneumUse when cancer has metastasized to the peritoneum from another primary site.
  • Biopsy confirming metastatic disease
  • Imaging showing secondary peritoneal involvement

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 primary peritoneal cancer

Essential facts and insights about Peritoneal Cancer

The ICD-10 code for primary peritoneal cancer is C48.2, indicating a malignant neoplasm originating in the peritoneum.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for peritoneal cancer

Malignant neoplasm of peritoneum
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Histologic confirmation of peritoneal origin

documentation Criteria

  • Imaging showing primary peritoneal involvement

Applicable To

  • Primary peritoneal cancer

Excludes

  • Secondary peritoneal cancer (C78.6)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Histologic confirmation of peritoneal origin
  • Imaging showing primary peritoneal involvement

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as secondary cancer

Coding Notes

  • Ensure primary origin is documented to avoid misclassification.

Ancillary Codes

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

Malignant ascites

R18.0
Use when ascites is present with peritoneal cancer.

Differential Codes

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

Secondary malignant neoplasm of retroperitoneum and peritoneum

C78.6
Use when cancer has metastasized to the peritoneum from another primary site.

Malignant neoplasm of peritoneum

C48.2
Use when the primary cancer originates in the peritoneum.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Peritoneal Cancer to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code C48.2.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate treatment planning, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential for denied claims

Mitigation Strategy

Verify primary site with imaging and biopsy, Include comprehensive documentation in patient records

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect reimbursement due to misclassification, Compliance: Potential compliance issues with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate cancer registry data

Mitigation Strategy

Verify and document the primary origin of the cancer.

Impact

Misclassification of primary and secondary peritoneal cancer can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation and verification of cancer origin.

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 Peritoneal Cancer, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Peritoneal Cancer

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

Primary Peritoneal Cancer Diagnosis

Specialty: Oncology

Required Elements

  • Histologic confirmation
  • Imaging results
  • Symptom documentation

Example Documentation

Patient presents with abdominal pain and bloating. CT shows peritoneal thickening. Biopsy confirms primary peritoneal adenocarcinoma.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Metastatic cancer in abdomen.
Good Documentation Example
CT shows omental caking and peritoneal nodules, biopsy-confirmed metastatic serous carcinoma consistent with primary peritoneal origin (ER+/PR+/WT1+).
Explanation
The good example provides specific imaging and biopsy details, confirming the primary origin.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Peritoneal Cancer? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

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