Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Personal History of Colon Cancer(Z85.038)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Personal History of Colon Cancer. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

History of Colorectal CancerPast Colorectal Cancer

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Personal History of Colon Cancer

Z85.03Primary Range

Personal history of malignant neoplasm of colon

This range is used to code for patients with a history of colon cancer that is no longer active but requires ongoing surveillance.

Personal history of colonic polyps

Used for patients with a history of colonic polyps, often coded alongside Z85.03 when both conditions are relevant.

Family history of malignant neoplasm of digestive organs

Used to indicate a family history of gastrointestinal cancers, which may influence surveillance strategies.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for personal history of colon cancer

Essential facts and insights about Personal History of Colon Cancer

The ICD-10 code for personal history of colon cancer is Z85.038, used for patients in remission and under surveillance.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for personal history of colon cancer

Personal history of other malignant neoplasm of large intestine
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient has completed treatment and is under surveillance.

documentation Criteria

  • Records show no active treatment or evidence of disease.

Applicable To

  • History of colon cancer

Excludes

  • Current colon cancer (C18.x)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • No evidence of active disease
  • Completed curative treatment
  • Surveillance colonoscopy results

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding active cancer instead of history

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation clearly states the cancer is in remission and surveillance is ongoing.

Ancillary Codes

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

Personal history of colonic polyps

Z86.010
Use alongside Z85.038 if the patient also has a history of colonic polyps.

Family history of malignant neoplasm of digestive organs

Z80.0
Use if there is a family history of colorectal cancer.

Differential Codes

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

Malignant neoplasm of colon

C18.x
Use C18.x if the cancer is active and currently being treated.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Personal History of Colon Cancer to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z85.038.

Impact

Clinical: Potential mismanagement of patient care., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Denial of claims due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific phrases like 'status post resection with no evidence of disease'., Include dates and treatment details.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify treatment completion and absence of active disease.

Impact

Using active cancer codes for patients in remission.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular training on coding guidelines and documentation review.

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 Personal History of Colon Cancer, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Personal History of Colon Cancer

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

Surveillance Colonoscopy

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Date of original diagnosis
  • Treatment completion date
  • Current surveillance plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents for annual surveillance colonoscopy. History of stage II adenocarcinoma of sigmoid colon resected 2019, completed adjuvant chemo 2020. Last colonoscopy 2023 showed no polyps.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
History of colon cancer, follow-up needed.
Good Documentation Example
Stage II (pT3N0M0) ascending colon adenocarcinoma s/p right hemicolectomy 6/2018. Completed 6 cycles FOLFOX 12/2018. Surveillance colonoscopy 9/2023: normal. Next CEA due 8/2025.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the cancer stage, treatment, and surveillance plan, ensuring accurate coding and billing.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Personal History of Colon Cancer? Ask your questions below.

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

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more