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ICD-10 Coding for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer(C50.411, Z17.01)

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

Also known as:

TNBCTriple Negative Breast Neoplasm

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

C50Primary Range

Malignant neoplasm of breast

Primary range for breast cancer, including TNBC, with specific codes for tumor location and laterality.

Estrogen receptor negative status

Used to specify receptor status, critical for identifying TNBC.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
C50.411Malignant neoplasm of upper-outer quadrant of right female breastUse when the tumor is located in the upper-outer quadrant of the right breast.
  • Pathology report confirming malignant neoplasm
  • Documentation of tumor location and laterality
Z17.01Estrogen receptor negative, progesterone receptor negative, HER2 negative statusUse to specify triple-negative receptor status in breast cancer.
  • IHC/ISH test results showing ER, PR, HER2 negativity

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 triple-negative breast cancer

Essential facts and insights about Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer is coded using C50.- for the tumor location and Z17.01 for the receptor status.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for triple negative breast cancer

Malignant neoplasm of upper-outer quadrant of right female breast
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Tumor confirmed in upper-outer quadrant of right breast

documentation Criteria

  • Receptor status documented as triple-negative

Applicable To

  • Breast cancer located in the upper-outer quadrant

Excludes

  • Benign neoplasm of breast

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Pathology report confirming malignant neoplasm
  • Documentation of tumor location and laterality

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect laterality documentation
  • Omission of receptor status

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes receptor status and laterality.

Ancillary Codes

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

Secondary malignant neoplasm of bone

C79.81
Use when metastasis to bone is confirmed.

Differential Codes

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

Unspecified malignant neoplasm of breast

C50.919
Use when specific tumor location and receptor status are not documented.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Triple-Negative Breast Cancer to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code C50.411.

Impact

Clinical: Misrepresentation of cancer type, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential reimbursement issues

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all pathology reports include receptor status, Regular audits of documentation

Impact

Reimbursement: May result in incorrect DRG assignment, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation

Mitigation Strategy

Always pair with Z17.01 to indicate triple-negative status.

Impact

Failure to document receptor status can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement regular documentation audits and training.

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 Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

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

Initial diagnosis of TNBC

Specialty: Oncology

Required Elements

  • Tumor location
  • Receptor status
  • Genetic testing results

Example Documentation

Patient diagnosed with TNBC in the upper-outer quadrant of the right breast. ER, PR, HER2 negative by IHC.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Breast cancer diagnosed.
Good Documentation Example
TNBC diagnosed in the upper-outer quadrant of the right breast. ER, PR, HER2 negative by IHC.
Explanation
The good example specifies tumor location and receptor status, crucial for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer? Ask your questions below.

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

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