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ICD-10 Coding for Personal History of Thyroid Cancer(Z85.850)

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

Also known as:

History of Thyroid CancerResolved Thyroid Cancer

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Personal History of Thyroid Cancer

Z85-Z92Primary Range

Personal history of malignant neoplasms

This range includes codes for personal history of malignant neoplasms, including thyroid cancer.

Malignant neoplasm of thyroid gland

This range is used for active thyroid cancer, not history.

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

Essential facts and insights about Personal History of Thyroid Cancer

The ICD-10 code for personal history of thyroid cancer is Z85.850, used when treatment is completed and no active disease is present.

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

Personal history of malignant neoplasm of thyroid
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • No evidence of disease and treatment completed.

coding Criteria

  • Use Z85.850 for history, not active treatment.

Applicable To

  • History of thyroid cancer

Excludes

  • Active thyroid cancer (C73)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Pathology report confirming original malignancy
  • Absence of current treatment orders for cancer
  • Two consecutive negative thyroglobulin tests (>6 months apart)

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using this code when active treatment is ongoing.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation clearly states the cancer is in remission and no active treatment is ongoing.

Ancillary Codes

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

Encounter for follow-up examination after completed treatment for malignant neoplasm

Z08
Use for follow-up visits post-treatment.

Differential Codes

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

Malignant neoplasm of thyroid gland

C73
Use C73 when there is active treatment or evidence of disease.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Personal History of Thyroid Cancer to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z85.850.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate patient history., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific terms like 'no evidence of disease'., Include treatment and surveillance details.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment, affecting reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Switch to Z85.850 + Z08 once treatment ends and NED confirmed.

Impact

Using active cancer codes for history cases.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular training on code differentiation.

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

Documentation Templates for Personal History of Thyroid Cancer

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

Annual follow-up for history of thyroid cancer

Specialty: Endocrinology

Required Elements

  • History of thyroid cancer
  • Treatment completion date
  • Surveillance results

Example Documentation

Patient presents for annual follow-up of history of papillary thyroid carcinoma s/p total thyroidectomy in 2020. No evidence of recurrence on recent thyroglobulin <0.1 ng/mL and neck ultrasound negative.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
History of thyroid cancer, follow-up visit.
Good Documentation Example
History of papillary thyroid carcinoma s/p total thyroidectomy 2019, no recurrence on thyroglobulin <0.1 ng/mL and negative neck ultrasound 3/2025.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the history, treatment, and current status.

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

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