ICD-10 Coding for Small Cell Lung Carcinoma(C34.90, C34.91, C34.92)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Small Cell Lung Carcinoma. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Small Cell Lung Carcinoma
C34.90-C34.92Primary Range
Malignant neoplasm of bronchus and lung, unspecified/right/left
Primary code range for small cell lung carcinoma, specifying laterality.
Secondary malignant neoplasm of lung, unspecified/right/left
Used for coding metastatic small cell lung 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| C34.90 | Malignant neoplasm of unspecified part of bronchus or lung | Use when small cell carcinoma is confirmed but laterality is not specified. |
|
| C34.91 | Malignant neoplasm of right bronchus or lung | Use when small cell carcinoma is confirmed in the right lung. |
|
| C34.92 | Malignant neoplasm of left bronchus or lung | Use when small cell carcinoma is confirmed in the left lung. |
|
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 small cell lung carcinoma
Essential facts and insights about Small Cell Lung Carcinoma
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for small cell lung carcinoma
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Biopsy confirms small cell carcinoma without specified laterality.
Applicable To
- Small cell carcinoma of lung
Excludes
- Non-small cell lung carcinoma
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Biopsy-confirmed small cell carcinoma
- Imaging showing central lung mass
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of under-documenting laterality
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies 'small cell carcinoma' for accurate coding.
C34.91 - Malignant neoplasm of right bronchus or lung
Use when small cell carcinoma is confirmed in the right lung.
Applicable To
- Small cell carcinoma of right lung
Excludes
- Non-small cell lung carcinoma
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Biopsy-confirmed small cell carcinoma
- Imaging showing mass in right lung
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies 'right lung' for accurate coding.
C34.92 - Malignant neoplasm of left bronchus or lung
Use when small cell carcinoma is confirmed in the left lung.
Applicable To
- Small cell carcinoma of left lung
Excludes
- Non-small cell lung carcinoma
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Biopsy-confirmed small cell carcinoma
- Imaging showing mass in left lung
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies 'left lung' for accurate coding.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Malignant pleural effusion
J91.0Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Malignant neoplasm of main bronchus
C34.0Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Small Cell Lung Carcinoma to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code C34.90.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for incorrect billing and reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Train staff on the importance of documenting laterality.
Impact
Reimbursement: May affect reimbursement accuracy., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Reduces data specificity and quality.
Mitigation Strategy
Always specify right or left lung when documentation provides laterality.
Impact
Failure to document laterality can lead to audit findings.
Mitigation Strategy
Implement routine checks for laterality in documentation.
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 Small Cell Lung Carcinoma, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Small Cell Lung Carcinoma
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Small Cell Lung Carcinoma. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Initial diagnosis of SCLC
Specialty: OncologyRequired Elements
- Patient history
- Imaging findings
- Biopsy results
- Staging information
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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